Barrow move for Italy hooker

Newly-promoted Barrow have signed Italy international hooker Dean Parata on a 12-month deal.

Parata, 26, came through the junior ranks at Wests Tigers and has spent his career in the lower grades Down Under, featuring for Italy at the 2013 World Cup.

Coach Paul Crarey said: “He is a high quality player and is capable of playing high end Championship.

“He has been in a good environment at Wests Tigers and also came through the Paramata youth ranks. He has played in the New South Wales cup competition, the same as Alec Susino.

“He’s very fit, very quick, he is comfortable at half back or nine. He can defend. He is a good ,high quality signing.”

Parata is Barrow’s fourth new signing of the close season, following on from fellow Australian and Italy international Alec Susino, Glenn Riley (Whitehaven) and Jono Smith (Rochdale).