BARROW RAIDERS have handed a first professional deal to teenager Stevie Watson after he impressed during pre-season.
The 17-year-old prop is a product of the club’s Furness Raiders development set-up and he is the latest local to make his way through that pathway.
Raiders coach Paul Crarey said: “The Furness Raiders system has given us many players since its inception, and was specifically created for this purpose.
“We will continue to promote local prospects, as it’s the most sustainable way we can build our teams without the bigger budgets that many others in our division have.
“Stevie has been monitored during training and played some big minutes in the (warm-up) game against North Wales Crusaders recently.
“He is a big, raw, powerful middle, one we feel has the potential to be a future cornerstone of the pack.”
Having faced North Wales, Watson, who played his community Rugby League for Millom, appeared in the 74-6 home win over Scotland in Shane Toal’s testimonial on Saturday.
He said: “I feel really privileged to get the chance to sign for Barrow.
“I can’t wait to keep learning from Paul Crarey and his coaching team this year, and hopefully prove my worth in the Championship.”
Watson follows hooker Trent Ruddy in stepping up from Furness Raiders.
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