A former St Helens academy playmaker who represented the club in Super League has signed for his hometown club.
Ellis Archer, 21, made his Super League debut for St Helens back in 2022 having progressed through the club’s scholarship and academy system.
He’d leave Saints at the end of that 2022 season, joining his hometown club Barrow Raiders before leaving to link up with fellow Cumbrian side Workington.
Archer has now re-signed with the Raiders on a permanent basis for the 2026 season on a one-year deal.
First signing with the Raiders in 2023, Ellis made five appearances that season before his cross-country move to Workington for whom he’s appeared the last two seasons.
He’d linked up with the Raiders this pre-season and has featured twice already in competitive games, first in round one of the Championship and then in round two of the Challenge Cup, however, his deal has now been made permanent.
Ex-St Helens man re-signs with hometown club
Announcing the deal on their website, Barrow said: “Exciting half-back Ellis Archer has joined Barrow Raiders on a permanent basis, on a deal initially running until the end of the 2026 season.”
Speaking on the deal, the 21-year-old said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to get the chance to come back to Barrow and represent my hometown club.
“It’s the team I grew up coming to watch with my family, so to be able to represent them in 2026 means a lot to me.
“This season, the aim is to play as many games as I can. I don’t expect to play every game, with the quality of player we have at half-back already – Johno [Ryan Johnston], Brad Walker and Bish [Alex Bishop] – but I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and grab this opportunity with both hands.”
Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “It’s great news that Ellis Archer has agreed terms to become a permanent member of the squad for this season.
“Ellis took the opportunity to do all our pre-season work, and impressed everyone with his commitment and application. He has been outstanding in all our games so far and will be an asset to the squad, with lots more to come.”
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A boy from Barrow ready to do his hometown club proud in ’26 💙🗣️ pic.twitter.com/VqD5zrY43D
— Barrow Raiders (@BarrowRaiders) January 29, 2026
