Raiders captain Jodie Litherland announces retirement

Barrow Raiders Ladies captain Jodie Litherland has announced her retirement following the conclusion of the 2024 Betfred Women’s Super League season.

The experienced half-back led the club to, and played a major role in the Raiders’ first season in the Women’s Super League, appearing in every game in both league and cup this season.

In fact, Litherland retires having played 62 consecutive games since the town’s female rugby league team moved under the banner of Barrow Raiders. In total, she scored 380 points for the club.

On stepping away from the sport, Litherland said: “In my whole 30 years of playing sport since I was six years old, nothing has ever made me prouder than pulling on the Raiders jersey and captaining my hometown club in the top flight of the women’s game.

“There are friendships I have made that I will cherish forever, and I hope I have been part of a journey to put Barrow on the map and pave the way for future stars who can play for Barrow at the highest level.”

Barrow Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson said: “It’s hard not to get emotional when expressing my thoughts and best wishes for Jodie.

“She had led our team on and off the field. I’ve met many players in my 22 years of coaching, and she has made an impact on me, not only as a coach but as a person.

“Jodie is a quality player who I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to watch grow from a cheeky half-back into a smart, skillful number seven from the Championship to the Super League.”