PAUL Crarey has hailed the togetherness of the Barrow Raiders squad as they aim to get back to winning ways at home to Swinton Lions tomorrow.

The Raiders suffered a bruising 50-0 defeat away to full-time Betfred Championship high-flyers Toulouse Olympique, along with more bad news on the injury front including Jono Smith suffering a double fracture of his cheekbone.

But Alec Susino has arrived from Australia to boost the squad for the visit of winless Swinton and Barrow head coach Crarey is confident last Saturday's loss in France will not prove too much of a setback for his players.

"They're giving everything and their attitude in Toulouse was absolutely brilliant," said Crarey.

"They stuck together and we are together as a group, and it's a very fine line between winning and losing, but once we get that win we'll be away.

"It took us a bit to recover after the York result and find our feet, but we're gradually starting to find our feet then the Toulouse game comes with all the travelling and injuries, and knocks you back a bit.

"But we'll keep fighting as a group and hopefully Alec will come in and give us a lift for the weekend."

Despite the defeat, the Raiders are still ahead of fellow part-timers Batley Bulldogs, Rochdale Hornets and Swinton in the table, and level on points with Dewsbury Rams.

And Crarey has seen enough to believe fortunes will turn.

"We've been there and thereabouts in some of the games," said Crarey. "Sheffield have won five from six, but the game was in the balance and they won in the last minute on a 40-metre penalty kick.

"Dewsbury have been in this division a long time, we managed to get in front then they went ahead and we managed to get a draw there.

"It's difficult when you're changing the team all the time, there's no competition in team selection or pressure on places, but they're a great group of kids."