BARROW RAIDERS coach Paul Crarey believes the award of contracts to young backs Dan Knott and Seth Woodend is another feather in the cap of the Furness Raiders development set-up.
A partnership between the club and Barrow’s Furness College, the Raiders were given Development Academy status by the RFL two years ago.
The side compete in the midweek College League system, and the pair have followed second rower Finn McMillan, who made four first-team appearances last season, by penning professional deals.
Winger Knott, who has played for Dalton and spent time in the Salford development system, helped England Community Lions Under-19s win last year’s European Championship in Serbia.
Barrow Island product Woodend, a centre, represented the Community Lions at Under-17 level.
Both players impressed Crarey during pre-season matches, and he said: “We are looking forward to helping them reach their full potential in the game.
“We will continue to monitor (forwards) Trent Ruddy and Ollie Holmes, who were both outstanding during warm-up matches as well. They will continue to train with the first-team squad.
“The Furness Raiders set-up continues to be a fantastic breeding ground for young, aspiring professionals, and all the players are watched continuously, both in training and games.”