VICE-CAPTAIN Emily Stirzaker says there’s more to come from Barrow Raiders Ladies.

Amanda Wilkinson’s history makers have suffered defeats in their first two top-flight games – an 18-4 loss away to Wigan Warriors Women on the opening weekend, and a 28-8 home loss against York Valkyrie.

Speaking ahead of their return to Women’s Super League action this weekend, Stirzaker gave her verdict on how the team have found life in the top tier so far.

“I think the results against both Wigan and York have give us lots of confidence as a team,” she said.

“In pre-season we spoke about having the goal of doing our best and trying to just remain in the Super League now we are here – the main aim being to compete as best we can and avoid relegation at the end of the season, developing as we go, so we can be more competitive come next season.

“We also want to stay in the Super League so local girls and women have something to strive towards, and the opportunity to play for Barrow at the highest level.

“The first two rounds have shown that we are good enough to compete, and we have spoken about changing our mindset from just ‘doing our best’ to going into games with the aim and belief of winning them and not just producing a respectable score. ”

Wilkinson’s side are back on the road this weekend as they travel to face Warrington Wolves.

The Wolves were promoted to the Super League for the 2023 season and have won of their two games so far this term.

Speaking about the clash, Stirzaker added: “We are really excited for this fixture.

“It has been a while since we have played Warrington, and the girls have come a long way since then, so I’m excited to see how we go.

“With a good mindset and belief going into the game and a good performance, I’m hoping we can come away with our first two points of the season.”

With no league game last weekend, a number of the Raiders squad took part in the Women’s Nines event in Warrington.

They competed against Featherstone Rovers, Cardiff Demons and Hull KR, winning two out of their three games at Victoria Park – the venue of Sunday’s Women’s Super League clash.

Stirzaker, who scored in both Raiders victories at the Nines festival, believes it should stand them in good stead going forward.

She said: “The Nines was a great day of rugby in the sun, which gave us the opportunity to work on our one-on-one defence and attack, in terms of spotting and creating space given the reduced numbers on the same sized pitch.

“We do have a few players with niggles here and there, so it was also an opportunity for some players to rest up and reset ahead of another really big game this weekend.”