Rooney was playing in his first ever final against Halifax last season

Barrow Raiders half-back Jamie Rooney is hoping to add a Northern Rail Cup winner's medal to his Championship Grand Final one from last season.

The 30-year-old, who joined the Raiders after last season's NRC final defeat by Widnes, won his first career medal in the win over Halifax last season.

"I'd love to play in more finals for Barrow," Rooney said.

"The club got to the final last year and didn't win it, but hopefully this time we can go one better."

Widnes Vikings lie in wait for Barrow in this season's quarter-finals.

ROONEY UNCOVERED Rooney has bounced back from a heart scare to rediscover his form with the Raiders He is an England international with four tries in four caps He cost Wakefield £10,000 from Featherstone in 2003

And having slipped to defeat by the Vikings in the Championship league campaign, the former Wakefield stand-off admitted there is unfinished business in what he expects will be a close encounter.

"We've played them once already this year and got beat in the last second of the game," Rooney added.

"It was a tough match and we know we'll have to prepare well again.

"They've been a bit like ourselves so far, up and down, so it could definitely go either way."

Raiders are currently fourth in the Championship after nine games, two points clear of Widnes, who lie sixth.

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