Squad 2026

[Raider91]

Barrow Squad for 2026 as it stands;

Cresswell, Bulman, Toal, Ritson, Teare, Broadbent, Woodend, Knott, Johnston, B.Walker, Bishop, Bullock, Wood, Ruddy, Robson, Mcmillan, Emeslie, King, Richards, Walker, Watson, Costello, Stack, Doolan, Brown, singleton, Gillam, Makin, Dutton

Edited July 17 by Raider91

[2Cents]

On 07/09/2025 at 09:08, Raider91 said:

Barrow Squad for 2026 as it stands;

Cresswell, Toal, Ritson, Teare, Broadbent, Woodend, Knott, Johnston, Walker, Bullock, Wood, Robson, Mcmillan, Emeslie, King

Personally, not bothered if Costello, Greenwood and Smith aren't offered new deals. Bulman should be. Lots of injuries with these 4. Not sure about Brad Walker, his kicking is good, but we need more creativity in the halves. Assume the Walker stated is Tom. Cresta wants Stack back but he said he was coming back for 1 more year only. Aside from the team selection, we need to be quicker from the ruck, faster passing and not as predictable with ball in hand. Get the ball to the wings quickly.

Edited September 10, 2025 by 2Cents

[ghost of uncle fester]

I'd definitely keep or offer new deal to Brad walker,but with the intent to play him at 13 .

It's by far his best position, and where he's made his career up until arriving with us 

And that of course means signing at least one new half back to partner johnno or whoever ,would love someone like a Jordy Gibson if he's off contract ,very clever  good short kicking game at the line also great hands ,take it bishop only signed a one year deal ?

And before anyone says it's lack of ambition signing a champ one half , he reportedly turned down three current champ teams to turn out for the crusaders ,presumingly for extra Dosh .

Agree regarding Costello and greenwood ,think Matty is past his sell by date and never really been enthusiastic towards greenwood,someone for me that never makes the most of his size .

If smith was to leave I wouldn't be against signing doolan as hes looked pretty lively at times 

[RSN]

On 10/09/2025 at 17:30, 2Cents said:

Personally, not bothered if Costello, Greenwood and Smith aren't offered new deals. Bulman should be. Lots of injuries with these 4. Not sure about Brad Walker, his kicking is good, but we need more creativity in the halves. Assume the Walker stated is Tom. Cresta wants Stack back but he said he was coming back for 1 more year only. Aside from the team selection, we need to be quicker from the ruck, faster passing and not as predictable with ball in hand. Get the ball to the wings quickly.

Costello is a bit harsh, I think he always gives his all and puts his hand up to play multiple positions (stand off, scrum half, second row and loose forward). He has been injured but they've been pretty serious ones which he couldn't have done much about. When players consistently miss games due to niggling injuries it bothers me, but I think he's just been unfortunate. 

Smith has looked unfit all season and doesn't appear to have put any effort to get in shape. Greenwoods heart has never looked in it. 

[blue forever]

2 hours ago, RSN said:

 

Smith has looked unfit all season and doesn't appear to have put any effort to get in shape. Greenwoods heart has never looked in it. 

Agreed but think it was the same for both of them last season too. There's a hefty chunk of our salary spend tied up in them two

Edited September 12, 2025 by blue forever

[RLDB]

When Smith is on the field he’s our best go forward hooker, unfortunately he misses a lot of games so isn’t value for money. Greenwood wouldn’t be a big loss either. 

Cresta said in his interview after the Sheffield game that there will probably be a big turnover of players this off season, will be interesting to see who comes in. 
 

 

[Forever Chasing an egg]

I would like to see Smith stay as he compliments Wood so well, but if he doesn't stay fit then we need someone more reliable. Greenwood has been a let down for me. And if he goes, he goes. I would keep Costello if we can. He has been very consistent despite playing a different position every week. 

[Gus Tyson]

I would keep Costello. He’s versatility has probably stopped us seeing the best of him consistently. Obviously the injuries have not helped too. 
greenwood has had his moments, not massively convinced by him though. 

[RawlinsonRaider]

I like Costello and like the way he plays out of position and gives his best. Smith doesn't look fit and needs a good pre season if he's signed again.  Greenwood is disappointing as a former Super league player.  

Already looking forward to next season

[Raider91]

Bulman signs for 2026.

[2Cents]

On 07/09/2025 at 09:08, Raider91 said:

Barrow Squad for 2026 as it stands;

Cresswell, Bulman, Toal, Ritson, Teare, Broadbent, Woodend, Knott, Johnston, B.Walker, Bullock, Wood, Robson, Mcmillan, Emeslie, King

Hope Tom Walker too...new 3 year deal for Broadbent....no word on Bishop? Think we can do better.

Edited October 2, 2025 by 2Cents

[Raider91]

Greg Richards released by Toulouse. He'd be a great pick up if he was to move back to the area, still only 30.

[Raider91]

Costello, Max Anderson-Moore, Connor Terrill, Fin Dutton are all training but not yet confirmed as signed.

[2Cents]

On 07/09/2025 at 09:08, Raider91 said:

Barrow Squad for 2026 as it stands;

Cresswell, Bulman, Toal, Ritson, Teare, Broadbent, Woodend, Knott, Johnston, B.Walker, Bullock, Wood, Ruddy, Robson, Mcmillan, Emeslie, King, Richards

That's 18. No Tom Walker or Bishop. (we can do better, really need a top play-maker). Stack (Retired). Carter (Retired). Need another 3 forwards, maybe Brown and Rothwell will fill that gap.

Edited November 18, 2025 by 2Cents

[RSN]

6 hours ago, 2Cents said:

That's 18. No Tom Walker or Bishop. (we can do better, really need a top play-maker). Stack (Retired). Carter (Retired). Need another 3 forwards, maybe Brown and Rothwell will fill that gap.

Tom Walker signs. 

I don't get not wanting Bishop. He competes on everything and covers halves and 9. I'm unsure where we are getting the money for a 'top play maker' as you're talking probably £50,000+ for one to travel up here. They're highly sought after hence we would have to bid higher than other clubs. 

Team at the moment is looking like: 

1. Cresswell

2. Bulman 

3. Broadbent 

4. Toal 

5. Ritson 

6. B Walker

7. Johnston 

8. Richards

9. Wood 

10. Bullock 

11. Costello 

12. Robson 

13. King 

14. Bishop

15. T Walker 

16. Emslie 

17. McMillan 

I still think Stack has another year in him. There's a prop playing for Furness Raiders who is absolutely killing it he might be used for depth. 

No doubt there will be a few loan signings when needed. The year we had a 25-26 man we lost a few players due to lack of game time so I don't think there is much harm having 22-23 then react in the market when required. 

[Bring back GB]

2 hours ago, RSN said:

Tom Walker signs. 

I don't get not wanting Bishop. He competes on everything and covers halves and 9. I'm unsure where we are getting the money for a 'top play maker' as you're talking probably £50,000+ for one to travel up here. They're highly sought after hence we would have to bid higher than other clubs. 

Team at the moment is looking like: 

1. Cresswell

2. Bulman 

3. Broadbent 

4. Toal 

5. Ritson 

6. B Walker

7. Johnston 

8. Richards

9. Wood 

10. Bullock 

11. Costello 

12. Robson 

13. King 

14. Bishop

15. T Walker 

16. Emslie 

17. McMillan 

I still think Stack has another year in him. There's a prop playing for Furness Raiders who is absolutely killing it he might be used for depth. 

No doubt there will be a few loan signings when needed. The year we had a 25-26 man we lost a few players due to lack of game time so I don't think there is much harm having 22-23 then react in the market when required. 

Don't forget Curtis Teare

[Anonymouse]

T Walker is a good re signing, Richards a very good addition, those 2 and Bullock make a very strong forward pack.  I'd like to see Ritson on the right wing, his natural position.

[2Cents]

17 minutes ago, Anonymouse said:

T Walker is a good re signing, Richards a very good addition, those 2 and Bullock make a very strong forward pack.  I'd like to see Ritson on the right wing, his natural position.

I agree, I much prefer Tee on the right-wing and I did ask him which he prefers and he replied "Either, I don't mind". He played almost every game at the Saints on the left. I've noticed his tendency is to side-step to the right. Think Bulman has always played right-wing, doubt he'd want to switch.

[RSN]

23 hours ago, Bring back GB said:

Don't forget Curtis Teare

Totally forgot about him I would have him ahead of Toal/Broadbent I'm unsure which one. I think Broadys best position is wing/full back. 

If Bishop signs it's probably a couple of extra forwards and we are done. 

[RLDB]

Bishop signed on 1 year deal.  

[RLDB]

Possibly a bit short at Hooker, Wood is nailed on with Bishop and Ruddy as back up. Prefer Bishop in the halves personally. 

[Dave W]

3 hours ago, RLDB said:

Possibly a bit short at Hooker, Wood is nailed on with Bishop and Ruddy as back up. Prefer Bishop in the halves personally. 

Might as well give Ruddy experience. It's not as if we're going to get relegated or anything...

[Rowan]

Admire your optimism Dave  - not for saying we won't get relegated but for knowing what the 2027 season format is!

[Dave W]

21 hours ago, Rowan said:

Admire your optimism Dave  - not for saying we won't get relegated but for knowing what the 2027 season format is!

I was hoping the ellipsis had served to temper my apparent optimism. 

You're not wrong - I can fully imagine the RFL deciding to go back to 3 divisions halfway through a season. 

[RawlinsonRaider]

I see Harvey Makin has signed for Oldham on season long loan from Wigan. He was great for us.