BARROW RAIDERS second rower or centre Matty Costello is looking forward to adding to his 65 club appearances after following backrower Ellis Robson in signing a one-year contract extension.
And the former St Helens man, who also played for the old Salford, is confident the Cumbrian club can build on this season.
Costello featured in 20 games, scoring seven tries, as Paul Crarey’s side finished sixth before reaching stage three of the play-offs.
After a loan spell from Salford in 2022 (he has also had temporary stints at Sheffield, Leigh and Newcastle), he joined Barrow ahead of the 2024 season.
He brought the experience of 26 outings apiece for Saints and Salford (with six and nine tries respectively), and has so far crossed 18 times for Barrow.
Costello follows halfback and captain Ryan Johnston and hooker Josh Wood (both to 2028) in committing to the Raiders.
“We’ve built something really good as a group,” he said.
“To finish in the top six is a big achievement for all of us, and hopefully we can build on those foundations in 2027.
“It’s a great environment with the group of lads that we have, and there’s nowhere else that I want to be playing my rugby right now.”
Barrow director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “Matt has been a reliable presence for a number of seasons now, which is why we were so keen to offer him this new deal.
“Whether he plays in the back row or at centre, we know exactly what we’ll get from Matt, week in, week out.
“Matt is in the prime of his career and can mix it with the very best in the division.
“To push on, we need players with plenty of know-how and big-game experience, which he brings.”
