BARROW Raiders have confirmed the signings of Wigan Warriors duo Zach Eckersley and Kavan Rothwell on initial one-month loan deals.

Centre Eckersley and prop forward Rothwell have been recruited in a bid to support the Raiders’ currently-depleted squad.

The pair provide Paul Crarey's side with a boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sheffield Eagles, with the Raiders light in both positions.

This situation has been made worse due to injuries to forward pair Ellis Gillam and Jack Wells who will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2023 campaign.

Eckersley has already shown his talent while on loan in the Betfred Championship this season, scoring five tries in eight matches at Widnes Vikings.

He also featured four times earlier in the campaign for London Broncos.

Alongside him, prop Rothwell makes the move to the Raiders with the Wigan academy product making a single appearance for Betfred League One side Midlands Hurricane during a previous loan spell.

As part of the loan agreement the Warriors have the option to recall the players at any point after the first two weeks of the deal.

Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey, speaking on the club's website, said: "Following on from Harvey Makin making his debut for us last week, Wigan have now offered us the services of Zach Eckersley and Kevan Rothwell.

"Zach has already been a big hit in the Championship, playing for Widnes, but Wigan have decided his future could be improved playing at Barrow.

"A prolific try scorer already in the Championship, he will be a big boost to our injury-ravaged squad.

"Kavan is another of Wigan’s young prop forwards with a big reputation. It is very satisfying to us as a club that Wigan feel we can improve their players while also helping us out at the same time.

"It is a massive testament to us that a club of Wigan’s prestige trust us with their players, and I’d like to recognise our director of rugby Andy Gaffney, Wigan transition coach John Duffy and head coach Matt Peet for helping get these deals done.”