Former Workington Town prop Tom Walker says he has signed for Barrow Raiders after being excited by their plans for next season.

Walker, 21, is the third Town player to make the move down the coast during the close season, following in the footsteps of Jarrad Stack and Declan Hulme.

The ex-Warrington Wolves Academy youngster says the opportunity to play alongside and learn from Barrow’s senior players was a big draw for him.

And he was also impressed with the plans the club have put in place after seeing the youngsters training at Furness College and meeting with the management team.

“When the opportunity came around to sign for Barrow, I sat down with Paul Crarey and Andy Gaffney and I was impressed with the set-up and their plans for the club,” said Walker who has signed a two-year deal. “I felt like I needed to be a part of it and I’m excited to see what happens in the next season or two.

“I went down for a look about and as soon as I went down, they had the 14 and 16-year-olds training.

“I had a look around the college and the facilities are brilliant, and I sat down and discussed what they were going to do over the next two years.

“Obviously, the aim is for promotion. It could be this year, but if it isn’t I think it will certainly be next year and I just want to be a part of that because I think it will be good for me as well.”

Walker joined up with Town in January last year and he had some good performances for Workington in the front row.

But he says, despite his 50 appearances for Town, he still feels he has more to offer.

“Even though I’ve been there for two years, I don’t think I’ve played my best rugby,” said Walker.

“I’m still adapting and getting used to it because all I had played before that was academy rugby.

“It’s the physicality of it, and how they’re all older heads and know what they’re doing.

“I think I was probably one of the youngest props in the Championship last season and it was pretty tough, but I’ve learnt a lot from it and, obviously, I’ve got a lot more to learn.”