BARROW Raiders Ladies captain Jodie Litherland has decided to hang up her boots.

The experienced half-back has announced her retirement following the end of the club’s first ever season in the Women’s Super League.

Litherland played a key role in helping Raiders reach the highest level of the women’s game through the play-offs in the 2023 campaign.

And she appeared in every Super League and cup game for Raiders in the season just ended.

She retires having played 62 consecutive games since the town’s female rugby league team moved under the banner of Raiders – scoring 380 points for the club.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Litherland said: “In my whole 30 years of playing sport since I was six years old, nothing has ever made me prouder than pulling on the Raiders jersey and captaining my hometown club in the top flight of the women’s game.

“There are friendships I have made that I will cherish forever, and I hope I have been part of a journey to put Barrow on the map and pave the way for future stars, who can play for Barrow at the highest level.”

Barrow Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson said: “It’s hard not to get emotional when expressing my thoughts and best wishes for Jodie.

“She had led our team on and off the field. I’ve met many players in my 22 years of coaching, and she has made an impact on me, not only as a coach but as a person.

“Jodie is a quality player who I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to watch grow from a cheeky half-back into a smart, skillful number seven from the Championship to the Super League.”

In other news, Raiders have revealed that Greg Worthington is facing disciplinary action.

Worthington, who was sent off in the win over rivals Whitehaven at the weekend has been issued a Grade E charge of punching by the RFL's Match Review Panel.

He will go before a RFL tribunal next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Raiders opened their campaign with a spirited 40-34 victory over Wakefield Wildcats Academy.

The young Raiders found themselves trailing 10-6 at the break at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.

A spirited second-half fightback eventually saw them open their College League Premier Division season with a win.