LOOSE forward Tom Wilkinson has signed a new deal with Barrow Raiders.

Wilkinson has penned a one-year contract keeping him at the Northern Competitions Stadium until at least the end of the 2025 campaign.

Speaking about the deal with the club’s official website, Wilkinson said: “I’m very pleased to have signed, and I can’t wait to get started again.

“Being my hometown club, and the team my family and I support, re-signing was an easy decision to make.

“Pre-season will be starting again soon, so I’m looking forward to putting in the hard work with all the lads so we can have a really big year.”

Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “Tom has been a revelation since signing from Ulverston to help the club out during the 2023 season.

“His no-nonsense style has made him a regular in the squad, and he has a fantastic engine and a fantastic attitude, both of which have made him a real asset to our group.

“Not only is Tom Mr Reliable, he has an astute passing game in his repertoire. We are delighted that he has agreed to go again.”

Director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “Tom was consistently one of the first names on the teamsheet last season, whether that be in the starting 13 or as an impact player off the bench. 

“Being from Barrow, he knows what it means to play for this club, and we’re looking forward to seeing him back in Raiders colours next season.”

Next season will be the 28-year-old’s third with the club, after he joined from local amateur side Ulverston midway through the 2023 campaign.

Since signing, he has gone on to feature 37 times in all competitions, with 27 of those appearances coming in 2024. 

Raiders have tied down a number of key players ahead of the 2025 campaign, and have added a number of new faces.

Crarey is expected to look to add one or two more to his squad following the announcement of five exits earlier this week.

It still remains to be seen if skipper Jarrad Stack will call time on his career with Raiders.