Tales from Tour: BARLA’s Sam Jones can’t get enough experience

Despite his youthful appearance, Barrow Island winger Sam Jones is one of the most experienced players on tour.

At 30 years of age, he will complete his fourth tour by the time the squad touches down in Manchester on November 25.

“My first tour was to Australia for three weeks with county, that was a good one,” Jones said.

“I didn’t know what to expect. It was in the Penrith and Western Sydney areas. We played four teams out there and we stayed near Penrith Plaza which was a very good experience at 18.”

Jones is one of nine Cumbrians in a tour party that he otherwise knew little about before jetting off.

“It’s good to meet new people,” he added.

“I get on with everyone, I’m easy going.”

Barrow Island have enjoyed a good 2018 campaign, playing just their second season in NCL Division Three. They finished second and gained promotion.

“I’m looking forward to next season now,” Jones said.

“This tour will be a good platform for next year. Our team is young and up and coming.

“As one of the older heads, my team-mates look up to me and go off what I do, so the more you can do, the better because it helps the whole team. This tour should hopefully benefit me, but benefit others as well.”