Barrow sign Italy international Anton Iaria
Barrow coach Paul Crarey has added Anton Iaria to his 2022 squad.
Championship side Barrow have announced signing of Anton Iaria for the 2022 campaign.
Iaria, 25, featured for Penrith’s New South Wales Cup team in 2021 before the season was cut short due to the pandemic.
He has also played Queensland Cup for the East Tigers, who are Melbourne Storm’s feeder club.
The prop forward, who joins the club on a one-year deal, has also won four caps for Italy on the international stage, helping them qualify for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Anton Iaria excited for move to UK
“I’m really excited,” he said.
“I’ve heard really good things from a couple of people, and I can’t wait to get over there now and get into it.
“I spoke to Paul Crarey and Steve Neale, and immediately I just connected well with them.
“I had a good mate of mine that recommended the club. It looks like a great town and a club that’s on the up and wants to play finals footy. Hopefully I get to be a part of that and see how we go next season.
“It’s going to be good to test myself out and see what happens.
“In terms of goals, personally I want to have a good season and stay injury free. I want to play the best footy I can for Barrow.
“Team goals, speaking with Steve and Paul, we definitely want to make the top six and play finals footy.”
Head coach Paul Crarey on new signing Anton Iaria
On the new signing, head coach Paul Crarey said: “Italian International Anton comes highly recommended by fans’ favourite and former player, Alec Susino, who played with him at Penrith Panthers’ New South Wales Cup.
“He had a number of Championship clubs trying to secure his signature but chose Barrow.
“Looking at his clips, he has a similar style to Alex. He has a good bump and offload and good leg speed which promotes good post contact metres.
“Anton has a great engine and can defend well. He also comes from a good rugby league environment, a feeder club for Australia league champions, Penrith Panthers.
“Welcome, Anton!”
More in rugby league
Wigan have announced the signing of NRL half-back Cade Cust a two-year deal, with the option of a third year.