BARROW Raiders Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson has praised key duo Emma Hutchinson and Sam Norman after their exit was announced.

Raiders revealed that both players won’t be in the Ladies’ squad for the 2025 campaign as they are off on their travels.

Speaking to the club’s official website following the news, Wilkinson said: “Losing two starting backs for any team is a big deal.

“Emma joined us from rugby union and soon gelled with the team, becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.

“She brings such a great attitude and commitment, and I have seen Emma grow into a confident rugby league player.

“Sam has been a key player during my time at Barrow, developing each season and playing full-back, centre and wing, doing all three effectively.

“She will be missed, not only for her skill in attack and her gritty defence, but for the wonderful personality she brings to the team.

“I wish them all the best on their travels and am sure they will be back one day.”

Hutchinson joined twin sister Claire, who was already part of the Raiders Ladies’ first team squad, when she arrived at the club in August 2022.

During her spell with the club, she scored 15 tries in 29 appearances.

Over the last two years, she has scored 15 tries in 29 appearances for the club.

Norman, has been with the Raiders Ladies since the outset and played under the team’s previous guise of Barrow Island.

She made Raiders history in May 2022 when she scored the club’s first-ever try in Group 2 of the Betfred Women’s Super League.

She was part of the Raiders Ladies squad which won promotion the top tier of the women’s game in the 2023 season.

In the season just ended, she scored six tries in 16 appearances.

The club said while they were disappointed to lose players of such quality, they wish both Emma and Sam well in their travels together.

Raiders also revealed that they will be announcing details of upcoming women’s trials taking place at the Northern Competitions Stadium in due course.