Barrow move for Thunder ace

Correspondent

New Barrow coach Steve McCormack has raided his old club for the second time – signing Michael Knowles from Gateshead.

Knowles, 22, follows hooker Andrew Henderson to Craven Park after Thunder’s demise saw them opt to drop down to Championship 1.

Chairman Des Johnston said:  “We knew we needed to strengthen the side – but we also knew we need quality at this stage and not quantity. In Michael we have certainly signed a quality player.”

Knowles was selected in the Championship Team of the Year last season, having scored 8 tries and 102 goals in 28 appearances for Gateshead.

The back-rower, who began his career at Castleford, scored a try and four goals for Thunder as they defeated Barrow 16-12 at Craven Park in August, which delayed Raiders’ coronation as Championship winners.