BARROW Raiders players and backroom staff report back to the Matt Johnson Stadium today for the first time inside ten days due to an outbreak of Covid in the camp. Seven were tested positive with nine others having to isolate.

Those seven are ruled out of tomorrows clash with in-form Hunslet (3pm) but on a brighter note other are back in the 19-man squad.

Barrow supporters will be eager to see Hakim Maloudi and Jake Emmitt make their home debuts.

Frenchman Maloudi did make his home debut against Keighley but it was behind closed doors, he then broke his wrist the following week at Hunslet ruling him out for eight matches.

In welcoming him back, Coach Paul Crarey said “It's great to have Hakim back and the fans will love him, he's an exciting player with great skills, he’s a showman. He has received many messages from our supporters saying it’s good to have him back.

Emmitt is making his debut, he’s come in till the end of the season with a view to next season, we along with Jake will see how it pans out, he had other offers but knows some of the lads and jumped at the opportunity.”

Crarey's squad is boosted by the return of skipper Jarrad Stack, speed merchant -Tee Ritson, Brad Crellin, Charlie Emslie and Dan Toal after serving a five-match ban.

Hunslet sacked their Coach Gary Thornton three weeks ago and hit form drawing with Keighley and crushing Doncaster on their own pitch last weekend.

They are a well-balanced side under new boss Alan Kilshaw with experience in winger Wayne Reittie and forwards Alex Young and Vial Halafhi.

Crarey added “It will be a big test against an in-form team due to the disruptions of the last few days, the lads have been hit mentally and we hope they respond well.

“We have to match their enthusiasm they will be coming with confidence.

“A lot will hinge on the testing that the lads will have to undergo, hopefully they'll come through them tests.”

Crarey has decided not to rush Shane Toal back into action, the winger has an ankle injury and at present the wing position is well covered.

Gary Wheeler will also sit it out for another two weeks, the former Super League player has been niggled with injuries since joining the Raiders and has only managed a few minutes.

Ulverston have called off their NWML game with Widnes Moorfield due to Covid in the opposition camp.