BARROW RAIDERS have lost Claire Hutchinson with a season-ending hamstring injury, and while coach Amanda Wilkinson admits this is a huge blow, she knows it gives one of her younger players a chance to shine.
Hutchinson has been a mainstay of the Barrow side over the last five years, but will now not feature at all in 2026 after undergoing surgery on a significant injury picked up against York Valkyrie in the Challenge Cup.
Tests revealed that Hutchinson, who was hoping to play alongside her twin Emma again this season, suffered a complete proximal hamstring tendon avulsion, resulting in all three hamstring tendons tearing off the bone.
“Claire is the most loyal, hardworking player you’ll ever see and she is just really tough,” said Wilkinson.
“Having a player that consistent and committed has a really good vibe on others around them, so it will be a big blow for the whole squad to lose her.
“She usually trains every day and might even do a couple of gym classes, so she’s going to struggle mentally because she’s not going to be able to do much for a while.
“It’s a case of looking after her and trying to keep her spirits up while we wait to get her back in the side.
“But it does give someone else the chance to step up and take their chance in the team.
“We aren’t a big squad this season, but we do have quality in there and people are fighting to get in, and this will give someone that opportunity.”