BARROW RAIDERS halfback and captain Ryan Johnston has committed to his hometown team until 2028 by signing a contract extension.
And with the club’s Furness Raiders development side about to start their new season, the 28-year-old has provided plenty of inspiration.
For Johnston was the first player from the link-up between the Raiders and the town’s Furness College to represent the first team.
That was back in 2017, when he featured four times in the old League One, having emerged from the Dalton amateur club under the guidance of now-Barrow coach Paul Crarey.
Johnston was made captain ahead of the season just finished, during which he made his 150th Raiders appearance.
His current tally is 166, with Barrow finishing sixth before a play-off bid which brought defeats at Doncaster either side of a home win against Sheffield Eagles.
While Crarey, who handed Johnston his club debut, is still pondering his future as coach while Furness Raiders have their College League National Premier Division opener at Warrington Wolves tomorrow (Wednesday, September 30), Johnston is happy to have his situation sorted out.
“It’s no secret what this club mean to my family and myself,” he said. “I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else. We have great fans and a great group of lads, so it was a no-brainer to sign the extension.
“I’d like to thank Paul Crarey and the club for making it happen. I can’t wait to get started as we work towards 2027.”
Raiders director of rugby Andy Gaffney added: “Ryan is Barrow through and through, and one of the top halfbacks in the division, so we are delighted to see him agree to stay.
“Taking over the captaincy from Jarrad Stack was no easy task, but he is a natural leader and inspires those around him on the field.”