2026 Opposition Insight | Barrow Raiders

14/01/2026

Written by Spencer Arnold

Barrow Raiders head into the 2026 Betfred Championship season aiming to kick on from a solid but unspectacular campaign last year, which saw them finish ninth in the league tabletable.

With 21 points collected across the season, the Raiders recorded ten wins, one draw and thirteen defeats, settling into mid-table come the end of 2025.

With the Championship moving into a new combined division format for 2026, Barrow will be keen to ensure they remain well clear of trouble while looking to edge closer to the top half of the table this season.

When we play them in 2026?

R4 | Saturday 21st February (H) | Steel City Stadium (3pm)

R16 | Saturday 13th June (A) | Northern Competitions Stadium (6pm)

2026 Recruitment

Barrow’s recruitment for 2026 has been focused on adding experience and strengthening key areas of the squad, most notably in the pack. The standout addition is prop forward Greg Richards, who arrives after spending the last two seasons with Toulouse Olympique. Tee Ritson has also made a permanent move back up to Cumbria after spending the last two seasons with St Helens.

Alongside that experience, the Raiders have also invested in youth, handing Trent Ruddy his first professional contract.

The trio come in to replace the likes of Aaron Smith and James Greenwood, who left the club following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign.

Ones to Watch

Greg Richards is expected to play a pivotal role for Barrow in 2026. His Super League background brings not only physicality but also composure out there on the field.

Tom Walker remains one of the most important figures at the club. With well over 100 appearances in a Barrow shirt, his leadership, experience and consistency set standards within the squad.

Brad Walker is another player likely to be influential, offering versatility across the half-back and loose forward roles.

2026 Squad

1 Luke Cresswell, 2 Andrew Bulman, 3 Shane Toal, 4 Curtis Teare, 5 Luke Broadbent, 6 Brad Walker, 7 Ryan Johnston, 8 Tom Walker, 9 Josh Wood, 10 Joe Bullock, 11 Ellis Robson, 12 Matt Costello, 13 Ryan King, 15 Charlie Emslie, 16 Greg Richards, 17 Alex Bishop, 19 Seth Woodend, 20 Dan Knott, 21 Trent Ruddy, 25 Tee Ritson