Hakim Miloudi: Barrow Raiders have a big future in rugby league

France international Hakim Miloudi believes Barrow Raiders have a strong future in the sport.

Miloudi, who has featured for the likes of Carcassonne, Hull, Doncaster and Toronto, joined the Raiders in May from French Elite Championship side Palau.

The 28-year-old has won five caps for France, as well as featuring in the Nines World Cup in Australia, and will be looking to make the squad for the postponed Rugby League World Cup in England.

The Perpignan-born outside back recently returned from injury for Paul Crarey’s squad, as the side look to push for an instant return to the Championship following their relegation in 2019, and Miloudi has reflected on his time so far at the Cumbrian side.

“This club is class and strong,” Miloudi said.

“The chairman, Steve Neale, works really hard for the club and for the town and especially with the players, looking after us every time.

“Barrow Raiders have a big future in rugby league for sure.”

The Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium outfit currently sit at the top of the League 1 table with a record of 11 wins from 15 so far this season, and with a win percentage of 76%.

The club has also been growing off the field in 2021, including the pre-season distribution of 17,000 free season tickets to every child in south Cumbria, as well as offering free entry to supporters to every home game so far which has seen them rewarded with some of the league’s highest attendances.

“I love it here,” said Miloudi.

“The players, the staff, the chairman and everyone makes me feel comfortable at training and in the games and it’s a pleasure to play for this shirt.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to all the fans for the amazing support they give us and I was surprised to see the stadium nearly full of fans every week.”

Barrow’s push for promotion continues this Sunday as the side travel to Greater Manchester to face seventh-placed Rochdale Hornets before returning home in the ultimate game of the regular season against West Wales Raiders.

Miloudi added: “Rochdale will be the hardest game of the year I think because we definitely need to win to secure the promotion, but we are all prepared for the game and we know what we need to do to take the win and the top of the league.

“The last two games are coming and we want to win them both and finish the season strong and well to get straight to the Championship next year.”