North Wales Crusaders travel to Barrow Raiders on Sunday, January 12 (3pm kick-off) as they begin their pre-season schedule.
Below is everything you need to know ahead of the clash at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium.
UP FRONT
While this is the first outing in 2020 for Anthony Murray’s new-look squad, Barrow had their first taste of action last weekend against Oldham, who were promoted to the Championship in 2019.
After finding themselves 16-0 down early on, Barrow fought back and reduced the deficit to 16-14 by half-time.
However, the visitors ultimately had too much for the Cumbrian side and ran out 22-18 winners in the end.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
North Wales and Barrow have gone head-to-head on nine occasions competitively in the past, with the Raiders winning six and Crusaders victorious three times.
In the first ever clash between the two sides back in 2012, the Cumbrians came out on top 26-24 on the opening day of the season.
The majority of Crusaders’ victories over the Raiders came in 2014 and 2015, while they also pushed Barrow close in the iPro Sport Cup final back in 2017, losing 38-32.
THE SQUAD
Crusaders boss Murray has named a 21-man squad for the trip to Cumbria.
Nine brand-new faces could feature as they hope to impress the coaching staff ahead of the 2020 campaign.
Joe Ryan and Ryan Millington, who both penned deals for the new season earlier this week, are included in the squad.
FAN INFORMATION
You can purchase tickets online, with adults priced at £12 and concessions at £10.
Please be aware that there are road closures on the M6 this weekend.
