BARROW Raiders’ revamped identity has landed with real intent as it was unveiled to the community, an assortment of local businesses, and to loyal supporters.

The name stays. The colours stay. But the badge now tells a fuller story.

This was all revealed at a special ceremony inside the Speed Competition Stadium, also known as Craven Park.

Set against the shipyard skyline that has shaped Barrow for more than a century, with a submarine at its heart and 1875 stamped beneath, the new crest is a visual declaration that the club’s identity is not up for negotiation.

It will be worn proudly by the men’s and women’s teams, a reminder that Barrow’s heritage is not something to be tidied away for modern branding.

And as someone who played Rugby League as a child, I pay close attention to the game and the positive role it plays in our local communities.

The men’s team were the Shipbuilders long before they were the Raiders, adopting the new name in 1997 after merging with Carlisle.

Their history stretches back through decades of graft, grit and flashes of genuine glory.

This is a club that has produced internationals of real stature, none more so than the legendary Willie Horne.

And now, I believe, Super League is tantalisingly within reach for the men’s team (we must remember that the Women’s team already plays Super League rugby!).

The club may not quite be Super League ready, but it is not far away and that would have a huge impact on our area.

Our Super League potential was confirmed last week when the club finished as the top‑rated Championship side under the RFL’s metrics this year.

The grading system assesses clubs against criteria including fan engagement, financial sustainability, stadium facilities, community impact and on-field performance.

This ranking is a huge achievement for the club's chairman Steve Neale, the board, players, staff, volunteers, and supporters.

The weak link right now is that Craven Park, opened in 1931, simply doesn’t meet modern expectations.

A new stadium for the town would change the conversation overnight. I have been pleased to see discussions being taken forward with support from Team Barrow.

With the new investment arriving in the town we have an opportunity to move this age-old issue forward and I hope that we can do so.

Our professional and amateur Rugby League teams play a huge role in community life and need to be supported.

We are blessed with some superb clubs with dedicated volunteers and supporters. Not least Millom Rugby League the oldest amateur rugby league club in the world, but also Dalton and Ulverston clubs.

A key problem locally has been access to all weather pitches and facilities. I have been pleased to see development of facilities in Millom, some encouraging noises from the council around Ulverston Leisure Centre, as well as the £1.6m funding from Team Barrow for 3G pitches and facilities in Barrow which will be matched by the Football Foundation.

We’re moving in the right direction and putting the pieces in place for the future.