Raiders coach wary of wounded Hawks
Barrow Raiders coach Paul Crarey is refusing to get too carried away with his team’s form after last week’s 20-6 win at York.
The Raiders coach knows that this week’s clash with Hunslet is vital, and his team need to be at their best.
“We’re going to take every game as it comes,” he said.
“I think if we win this week we make the five and if Hunslet lose, I think they’re out of the five so it’s a massive game for both sides.
“They caused us some problems when we went down there. I watched the game against Keighley and they were very, very good and deserved the win. I was surprised at the result against Doncaster.
“We’re going to look after ourselves, like we have done in these 8s and prepare well. We’re looking forward to it, we just want to cement the five then we can relax a little bit.”
Back rower Liam Harrison is likely to miss out this week through illness.
Hunslet Hawks were beaten 36-24 at home to Doncaster, and coach Matt Bramald was diappointed with the way his side’s good run of recent form ended.
“It was extremely disappointing, there were too many defensive lapses close to our line,” he said.
“I think we conceded three or four tries within five metres of our line, three from dummy-half, which was really disappointing.
“The good work we put in place at Keighley doesn’t count for a lot now because we’re back in the same situation we were in after the London game.
“We’ve got some improving to do in terms of defensive work close to our line. We’ll get challenged at Barrow all over the park so we’re going to have to better than we were last week for definite.
“Barrow have found some form and they’ve got some quality players. They’re always difficult to beat at home but they’ve found some form away from home in the play-offs.
“It will be a tough afternoon up there, apart from Toulouse, they’re probably the form team. It’s definitely going to be a tough afternoon.”
George Flanagan is doubtful with a knee problem, while Danny Thomas (hamstring), Ayden Faal (shoulder) Matt Carbutt (shoulder) and Jake Normington (illness) are also not likely to feature for the Hawks.