Clark led Barrow to Grand Final success last season

Barrow captain Gary Broadbent has hailed the impact of caretaker coach Dave Clark at the club following the departure of Steve McCormack.

McCormack left after last month's 35-6 defeat by Dewsbury, but Clark led Raiders to victory over Widnes in Sunday's play-off eliminator.

"Dave's come in and freshened things up," Broadbent told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"The boys are getting down and rolling sleeves up and putting in a lot of hard work in training which is paying off."

Broadbent continued: "The team spirit, the work ethic the boys have put in, and they've turned the corner this week, and credit must go to Dave, who has been sensational with the boys this week."

Raiders were rampant at Craven Park, running in seven tries to seal a 38-0 victory against Widnes, and exact revenge for last month's 32-14 regular season defeat.

However the success came at a cost with injuries to influential half-back Jamie Rooney, and try scorer Liam Harrison, although Broadbent is quietly confident they will be available for Friday's home play-off match against Sheffield Eagles.

"Hopefully they're just minor knocks," Broadbent added.

"The boys are down there with some ice on, it was a bruising encounter and we'll assess the lads during the week and hopefully we'll be able to put as strong a team a possible out on Friday."

Chairman Des Johnston added his support to Clark's return to Craven Park, but remains cautious regarding the club's hopes of retaining their Championship Grand Final crown.

"It's done him the world of good being away from the game, he's come back refreshed," Johnston said,

"As well as him, everyone in this club has responded brilliantly the last few weeks, and training has been first class.

"But it's only one game and there's a long way to go."

Barrow, under the leadership of Clark, were Championship Grand Final winners last season, and reached the final of the Northern Cup before losing to Widnes.

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