Published at 13:15, Monday, 31 May 2010

ST HELENS and Great Britain international James Graham says the performance of Barrow Raiders and their supporters at Knowsley Road on Saturday is proof to the RFL that Cumbria should be represented in Super League.

Speaking to the Evening Mail after Barrow’s 32-12 Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat, the 2008 Man of Steel said: “Today was a great advert for Barrow and rugby league in Cumbria. It gave them the chance to say to the people at the RFL ‘here you are, this is what we can do and the kind of support we can bring’.

“My roots are based in Maryport and I feel very strongly about getting a team up there in Cumbria in Super League.

“I’m all for expansion of the game, but I don’t think they should turn their back on the people of Cumbria.

“Whether you do a combined Cumbria team, I don’t know.

“I know that might cause a few issues. Barrow, Whitehaven and Workington are, I know, spaced out in location, but I just think it’s a shame if we waste what is a rugby league heartland up there.”

Star prop Graham was pleased his Saints side progressed to the semi-finals in what was the last Challenge Cup tie to be played at Knowsley Road. He was also full of praise for Barrow.

“The main thing in cup competitions is to get through to the next round and that’s what we did,” said Graham.

“You have to give plenty of credit though to Barrow. They turned up and more than gave us a game.

“Barrow have some real quality players, lads with Super League experience, and I think they showed why they’re pushing for a franchise to Super League when that comes round next time.

“It was tough out there, the weather probably didn’t help us, the past few weeks we’ve been playing on a drier track.

“That’s taking nothing away from Barrow, who gave a very good account of themselves and can certainly hold their heads up high.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk