Giants Women vs Barrow Raiders (FRIENDLY) | Match Preview

The Giants Women will take on Barrow Raiders Ladies in a pre-season friendly at Laund Hill in preparation for an exciting 2024 Women’s Super League.

Recently promoted Barrow will get their first taste of top-level WSL action against the Giants on Sunday, kicking off at 2pm.

Previous fixtures

The Giants last played the Raiders in the 2019 Women’s Championship but fell to defeat on both occasions.

Their most recent competitive clash, 1st September 2019, saw the Raiders come away with a landslide 44-12 victory in front of a home crowd.

Tries from Isabel Bibby and Lameeyaa Noor, both converted by Emmi McFarlane, contributed to the 12 Giants' points.

Professionally contracted captain Bethan Oates is the only player from the current squad to have featured for the side that day.

Giants Women guide

Head coach Lori Halloran has made 9 off-season additions to her squad, with Chloe Fairbank returning to Claret and Gold colours for the first time since 2021.

Sisters Allana and Lauren Waller joined from former WSL League Leaders Castleford Tigers alongside utility back Em Johnstone.

Kacy Haley and Grace Ramsden signed from Super League rivals Warrington Wolves with former Bradford teammate Jess Harrap joining them in the forward pack.

WSL-winning Rhinos Ellie Oldroyd, Paige Webster and Sam Hulme sought out a change of scenery from West Yorkshire rivals Leeds, all adding great value to the Giants side this season.

U19 Academy graduates Ana Da Silva, Beth Armstrong and Georgia Hampshaw have made the step up into the senior squad as their progression continues under the club.

To make sure you're familiar with our 2024 squad, check out the Giants Women's Squad Numbers here!

Halloran has confirmed her 18-player squad to take on the Cumbrian outfit, which can be found here.

Opposition guide

Since we last met, Barrow had plied their trades in Group 2 of the Women’s Super League following promotion from the Championship in 2021.

In 2023 the Raiders finished joint top of the table with G2 League Leaders Featherstone, though fell behind the Rovers on point difference.

Barrow fought with Leigh Leopards in the Promotion Play-offs 14-8 to secure their place in the restructured 2024 Women’s Super League.

Head coach Amanda Wilkinson previously led Wigan Warriors to their 2018 WSL Grand Final victory.

The Cumbrian coach has been busy in the off-season with recruitment, adding Jazz Callon, Chloe Capstick and Jodie Crawford to the Raider ranks.

Wilkinson has named an extended 25-player squad for the friendly which can be found here.

Entry details

Laund Hill will be operating a pay-on-the-gate system with both cash and card payments available. Adults can gain entry to the game for just £5 and Under 16s £1. Seating is unreserved.