ANDY Gaffney has revealed Barrow Raiders could still make further additions to their squad ahead of the 2019 Betfred Championship season.

Willie Minoga was confirmed as the latest new recruit to the Raiders squad for next season, joining Tee Ritson, Jake Spedding, Deon Cross, Stargroth Amean, Wartovo Puara Jr, Gareth Hock and former Furness Raiders under-19s player Jake Carter.

The majority of those Barrow players who were out of contract have been retained too, although rugby director Gaffney confirmed there could be two others still to join.

“We’re close to agreeing another couple of signings,” said Gaffney. “Hopefully this week or next week we’ll be able to get them over the line.

“We’re pretty confident of bringing these other two players in.

“We were going to go with a smaller squad, but the players who have been about and were offered to us, we’ve been able to put a complete squad together, which is probably the best thing, really.”

The majority of the Raiders squad returned to pre-season training this morning and Gaffey emphasised the importance of being able to get the team together straight from the off, rather than coming in at different intervals.

“It’s important we all start on the same page of the book and it’s better for (head coach) Paul (Crarey) to have everyone there for the start of pre-season,” said Gaffney.