ALL-STAR forward Michael Knowles has added his considerable power to the Barrow Raiders pack.

The 22-year-old second rower has signed a two-year deal at Craven Park after severing ties with relegated and financially-troubled Gateshead Thunder.

Knowles – named in this season’s Championship All Stars team, alongside Barrow players Liam Harrison, James Nixon, Andy Ellis and Zeb Luisi – follows hooker Andy Henderson and coach Steve McCormack out of the North East and into Furness.

Raiders chairman Des Johnston was delighted to have secured the former Castleford player’s signature and said: “We have been interested in him for quite a while now. He had a cracking game here against a couple of months ago and we have had our eyes on him for a while.”

Totally gutted about this. To be fair though for them selves they needed to go else where as Thunder can't afford them in 2010. You have Steve Mac who is a great coach and knolews and Henderson from us. Two fantastic players and one of the best coaches on the CH. Good luck for the future and with them. I'm hoping you guys win the league again .

Good luck