DAVID Cairns sees two of his Furness Raiders players earning the opportunity to train with Barrow Raiders during pre-season as a sign of the pathway which is there for players in the area.

Forward Charlie Emslie and winger Adam Ford have both been handed the chance to learn from the senior squad after some stand-out performances during the current and previous College Rugby League seasons for the under-19s.

Furness head coach Cairns recognises not every player which comes through the team may go on to play at senior level for the Raiders.

But the fact members of the under-19s are getting opportunities to work with them – along with Jake Carter and Ryan Johnston turning professional – shows there is a way through is key.

“We were talking about it on Monday night [at training] and saying about how progression is the important part for these lads,” said Cairns.

“Not every lad who comes in to play for us is going to go on to play for Barrow, but there is a pathway and that’s important.

“The two lads who are training with them have both got different attributes; Fordy is a fantastic athlete, and breaks the line week in, week out for us and scores long-range tries.

“Charlie Emslie is a really, really tough lad, a great edge player, never gives in and is as tough as they come, and it shows to anyone who comes in with us that Paul Crarey is watching.”

Barrow head coach Crarey has taken a very hands-on approach with the youth team since it was formed at the end of 2015, and keeps a close watch on all of the players both at training and in matches.

Former Barrow and Great Britain half-back Cairns is pleased to have Crarey around to give another perspective for the Furness players and believes it is important they know he is taking note of their progress.

“Paul takes sessions with us sometimes and is there most nights,” said Cairns. “He’s offering advice to players and to me about the structure of things, so it’s important he’s there as well.

“He’s seeing these lads in training, not just going by my recommendations. He sees them week in, week out, so he knows the kind of characters, which is so important for him as well.”