Barrow snap up Nigeria international from St Helens

Championship club Barrow have signed Nigeria international Rio-Osayomwanbo Corkill from Super League champions St Helens on a one-year deal.

The 20-year-old centre was released by Saints at the end of last season and has now joined the Raiders following a successful trial period.

Corkill left Cumbria at the age of 16 to sign a professional deal with St Helens. He progressed through their academy and made his Super League debut in August.

Corkill said: “I was at Saints last year and it was a brilliant experience for me, so when it came to leaving it was quite tough.

“The idea of coming to Barrow and being part of what’s been built over the last few years is really exciting for me. I couldn’t let that opportunity pass me by. 

“We’re all here to win and do the best we can. If that’s achieving promotion to Super League, that’s brilliant. If it’s finishing top four, that’s great too. We need to start by winning every game we can.”

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Barrow boss delighted to have Rio-Osayomwanbo Corkill onboard

Corkill was called up by Nigeria ahead of the Middle East Africa Championship in Ghana, which forms part of the qualification process for the 2025 World Cup.

He was originally spotted by coaches of the national team on Instagram. Corkill won two caps for the Green Hawks as they beat Cameroon and Ghana.

Barrow coach Paul Crarey said: “Right from the start of our journey with Barrow, our aim was always to build around and develop local talent. 

“We said we would not only help develop young players but also any aspiring coaches in the area also. When Rio became available, it was a no-brainer to invite him in and have a look at him. 

“Sometimes when young lads go to big clubs as juniors and maybe don’t quite make it, it’s very easy to call it quits due to the disappointment. 

“Rio has turned up, trained hard and showed his enthusiasm for his local town. Everyone has been impressed with his attitude and it’s great to have him with us.”

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