BARROW RAIDERS coach Paul Crarey has been happy to hand Finn Dutton-Rosconie another chance at hooker.
And while the coach borrowed Wigan’s Tom Forber for Saturday’s home showdown with Sheffield, which the Cumbrians won 18-16, he opted against bringing in a loanee in order to go with 21-year-old Dutton-Rosconie in three previous games.
With former Salford and Wakefield player Josh Wood, the Raiders’ primary starting nine, recovering from a broken hand, Crarey utilised Alex Bishop and Dutton-Rosconie.
The latter is a product of the club’s Furness Raiders youth system. He made his debut from the bench in the 46-0 Championship defeat at Wakefield in September 2024 before returning to the development ranks.
He had been playing in the community game’s National Conference Cumbria section for Barrow Island before getting Crarey’s call for last month’s midweek mission to Doncaster, where the Raiders won 36-12.
Dutton-Rosconie then featured in the victories over Hunslet (36-22 at home) and Workington (56-12 away).
“Finn has been unbelievable,” said Crarey.
“For a small lad he is a livewire, very alert and not afraid to get in the mix with the big boys.
“He’s not one for taking a backward step. He puts his body on the line and has a good pair of hands.
“He has been with us from his younger days and served his apprenticeship and has taken this chance and been outstanding.
“We could have brought in a player on loan, but if the timing is right, I am not afraid of blooding our younger lads.”