Thunder star Knowles joins Barrow

Knowles kicked an impressive 102 goals in the 2009 season

Championship Grand Final winners Barrow have added back-rower Michael Knowles to their squad from Championship One side Gateshead Thunder.

Knowles, 22, was one of the Championship's most consistent point-scorers last season, amassing 236 with 102 goals and eight tries in 28 games.

Raiders chairman Des Johnston said: "We knew we needed to strengthen the side, but we also knew we need quality.

"In Michael we have certainly signed a quality player."

Knowles' career began at Super League side Castleford, and he was brought to Tyneside by former boss Dave Woods who had been head coach at the Jungle.

That move to the International Stadium resulted in promotion to the Championship under Woods, and when he left, Knowles remained to become an integral part of the side that avoided relegation under Steve McCormack at the end of the season.

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However, Thunder's financial troubles meant that much of last season's line-up have disbanded, with players such as Luke Branighan (Halifax) and Andrew Henderson (Barrow) finding new clubs.

He becomes the third former Thunder alumni to end up at Craven Park this winter along side coach McCormack and hooker Henderson.