Exclusive: Hakim Miloudi opens up on Barrow Raiders’ play-off chances after unbeaten start

Barrow Raiders’ Hakim Miloudi has not ruled out a play-off push for the Cumbrian side come the end of the season.

The Raiders, with a game in hand, currently sit second in the Betfred Championship and are still unbeaten in all competitions so far in 2022 despite an 18-all draw with London yesterday which left them two points behind Featherstone at the top of the Championship after they drew with Batley.

Barrow impressed many with a thrilling win at Widnes in front of the Premier Sports cameras before then claiming the bragging rights against Cumbrian rivals Workington Town in the Challenge Cup with a tie against Huddersfield now waiting.

A strong start from a club many wrote off prior to the start of the season, having been newly promoted from League 1, but Miloudi is excited by what is to come as he believes his side are capable of more.

He said, “I said at the start of the season that our goal was to stay in the Championship and do not be relegated.

“That was the first objective for the team. Now, we know anything can happen in any game.

“Should we make the play-offs, we will take each game as it comes. You never know after all.

“We know that promotion to Super League is very unrealistic but it would be a big dream to so we will keep working on it.”

Miloudi recently received the player of the match award for the Raiders in their win at Widnes.

His form has certainly caught the eye of the pundits, having developed a dangerous partnership with winger Tee Ritson as well as a healthy relationship with Malta international half-back Jarrod Sammut.

Offering his thoughts on his team mates, Miloudi said “I am just happy to play with Tee (Ritson) at the moment.

“I know from last season and I have really liked out partnership. He is a very fast and powerful player.

“I can play my game, such as stepping and trying to break the line and he is able to produce NRL style finishes.

“Jarrod (Sammut) is a nice guy. He is a complete rugby player; he can kick, pass and do everything with the ball.

“He scored again last time out against Workington and put in a few good passes. He helps the team really well and I am happy enough that he plays down my side too.”