BARROW RAIDERS’ long-serving fullback Luke Cresswell has been awarded a testimonial by the RFL – and coach Paul Crarey believes there is nobody more fitting.
Since making his debut against Toulouse in 2016, the 31-year-old has made over 200 appearances for the Raiders, a total he will add to in his testimonial year after penning a new one-year extension that will take him into a 12th season with his hometown club.
During that time, vice-captain Cresswell has established himself as a fan favourite and one of the Championship’s most consistent players, and Crarey admitted: “Luke is the ultimate professional, both in training and on a matchday.
“He is the perfect role model for any budding professional players in the area.
“Luke first came down to training and did a full year with us before being offered a contract. This is probably one of the best pieces of business the club has done in the last 20 years.
“Luke will no doubt be a massive player for us this year, and deserves everything his testimonial will bring him.”
For the fullback, who played through most of the season with a hernia before undergoing an operation at the end of the season, the decision to remain with Barrow was an easy one.
“I’m really happy to sign for another year,” he enthused.
“To be awarded a testimonial, which is something I have worked hard towards, is something I am really proud to have done with my hometown club.”
Cresswell’s testimonial year will officially begin on December 1, with a testimonial fixture provisionally scheduled for the weekend of January 2-3.
Barrow have also extended halfback Alex Bishop’s stay into a third season, with the 32-year-old saying: “I’ve loved playing with this group of lads.”
