BARROW RAIDERS recruit Ellis Robson is more than happy to be replacing sand with turf as pre-season enters a new phase.
Paul Crarey’s side are due to host Whitehaven in the first of three warm-up matches tomorrow (Tuesday, January 7), with Workington visiting the Northern Competitions Stadium on Sunday and dual-registration Salford the following Saturday (January 18).
And centre or backrow Robson, signed from Keighley on a two-year deal, has been raring to go.
The 26-year-old Warrington product, who had two years with the Cougars after spending the second half of the 2022 campaign at Newcastle Thunder, admitted: “We’ve been running in sand dunes, and I’ve not exactly enjoyed it! It’s the first time I’ve done that, and it was a tough gig.
“But it’s what you need to do to get ready, and otherwise, it’s been great. All the lads and staff have been really accommodating and really welcoming.”
Robson came through Warrington’s Academy to earn a place in the senior squad, and made seven first-team appearances as well as being farmed out to Widnes (three spells), Dewsbury, Rochdale, Bradford, Salford (seven games in Super League) and Toulouse (two).
He notched 19 tries in 25 outings last season as Keighley made the League One play-offs, and will be aiming to help Barrow follow suit in the Championship after an eleventh-placed finish in 2024.
“Last season was a good one for me personally, but you can’t rest on your laurels,” he added.
“I’ll bring hard work, that’s what I try to do first, and be a team player, and then hopefully I get some success off the back of that.”
The clash with Whitehaven presents Robson’s fellow squad additions, Australian backrow Ryan King and outside back Curtis Teare, with a chance to face their former club.
Barrow have also brought in Robson’s Keighley colleague, Australian halfback Alex Bishop.
