BARROW Raiders have pulled off a massive signing for next season with the capture of Australian forward Ryan King.

Raiders announced last night that the Italian International has signed a one year deal with the club.

King averaged just under a try every other game for current club Whitehaven - 35 in 77 appearances.

He has scored nine tries in 25 games this season, including two against his Raiders.

The 27-year-old has also appeared for Italy's National team five times, including in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

Speaking about the move, King said: “I’m really excited to play for Barrow.

“Cresta, (Paul Crarey) and Andy Gafney (Director of rugby) have been trying to get me to join for a while, but I felt it was the right time to come now, and I can't wait.

“I know a few of the lads and I’m good mates with Tom Walker and Andrew Bulman, so the transition should be a lot easier than normal.”

King has been in outstanding form for fellow west Cumbrian side Whitehaven for the past four years apart from trying his hand at Halifax.

But he never settled at Halifax and returned to the Recreation Ground.

A lot of speculation arose recently in Barrow and surrounding arrears regarding King signing for the Raiders which has now been put to bed.

Head coach Paul Crarey is delighted to have the powerful forward on board, who at the age of 27 is in his prime.

Crarey said: “We thank the Blue and White Knights for their sponsorship, which enabled us to make King our player.

“They are a bunch of local businessmen who also came up with the money to secure hooker Aaron Smith on a two-year deal, and also helped with the transfer fee for Tom Walker.

“King is a fantastic player and has scored in the region of nine tries for Whitehaven this season, some when playing stand-off in emergencies.

“His attitude is top draw. He is also a nice kid both on and off the field.

“He has had his share of injuries this season, but we will get him fully fit for next year.

“He is such a big unit and very fast for a forward, and he will fit in nicely at the club.”

The Raiders make the difficult trip to leaders Wakefield tonight in their last away game of the season.

Crarey with one eye on next week's important home game with Widnes makes several changes from last week's win over Whitehaven.

Jamie Pye is unavailable as he played for his parent club on Thursday, also out are Ellis Gillam (shoulder), James Greenwood (leg), Andrew Bulman (neck).

Tom Walker (foot), Josh Wood (neck) and Luke Broadbent (dead leg) are all rated doubtful, while coming into the squad are Max Clarke, Connor Terrill, Max- Anderson-Moore Delaine-Gitten-Bedward, Finn McMillan and Finn Dutton Rosconie.

Barrow are fourth bottom in the Championship on 19 points, with Swinton one place below on 18 points, Whitehaven second-bottom on 16 points, and bottom of the pile are Dewsbury, who are already relegated having won just one game all season.

The bottom two clubs are relegated with third from bottom having home advantage in a play-off with League One’s play-off winners.

However, wins that play-off game will have a place in the Championship for the 2025 season.

Barrow round off their season next Sunday at home to Widnes. Swinton are home to Doncaster tomorrow and finish at Bradford next weekend. Whitehaven travel to Batley tomorrow, and finish at home to Halifax.