PAUL Crarey knows Wigan Warriors will pose a much different test to any of Barrow Raiders’ pre-season opponents so far when the Super League champions visit Craven Park tomorrow.

Betfred League One sides Oldham and Whitehaven have both given the Raiders good work-outs during the first two friendlies, but tomorrow’s match will see them up against a well-structured, full-time outfit.

Included in Wigan’s 23-man squad for the match are the likes of versatile French back Morgan Escare, winger Liam Marshall and maverick half-back Jarrod Sammut, not to mention ex-Raider Chris Hankinson and Dalton youth product Liam Paisley.

Barrow head coach Crarey was encouraged by the improvements shown in last Sunday’s 24-8 win over Haven, but is well-aware the Warriors will provide an even stiffer examination for his side in their final pre-season match.

“Wigan will challenge us,” said Crarey. “When you play these better sides they’re more structured, so when you break the line there’s nobody picking you up.

“Sometimes you get stragglers at this level, and sometimes Whitehaven cleaned up really well but there’s lads there who haven’t joined the line defensively.

“When Tee (Ritson) broke clear, a second row or middle picked him up when we broke the line and that doesn’t happen at top-level football.

“If you break, you finish and we can probably support the ball a little bit better.”

The Raiders should be able to welcome vice-captain Nathan Mossop and back row Dan Toal back into the fold after missing the first two pre-season matches due to minor injuries.

Papua New Guineans Willie Minoga are Warotov Puara Jr are likely to feature again too, although compatriot Stargroth Amean is a doubt after picking up an injury against Whitehaven.

Two players who are unlikely to be involved against Wigan are under-19s Charlie Emslie and Adam Ford.

Crarey was pleased with how both performed in their outings against Oldham and Haven, and hopes they both take encouragement from their displays.

“We’re making strides with bringing through the youth in the area and giving them the opportunity,” said Crarey.

“Charlie and Adam will go away with a purpose, wanting to play at this level, and they’ve proved they can do it.

“That’s what’s pre-season is for. We’ve got two weeks to get everybody integrated and it’s a long time in rugby league.”

n See tomorrow’s Mail for a full preview of Barrow Raiders’ match against Wigan Warriors.