RYAN Burroughs’ loan spell at Barrow Raiders has helped the American winger rediscover his love for rugby league after admitting to going through a tough time earlier in the year.

Burroughs was hampered by serious hamstring injury picked up playing against Papua New Guinea at last year’s Rugby League World Cup when he returned for pre-season training with Toronto Wolfpack.

That led to a loan spell at London Skolars, only for Burroughs to be unable to get back into the side on his return.

But, in an interview with Steve Andrews in the Raiders’ match-day programme for last Sunday’s visit of Swinton Lions, Burroughs revealed how he has been revitalised by his time with Barrow.

“Everyone at the club was really welcoming when I first got here,” said Burroughs. “Craven Park is a great place to play and the passion of the fans is so obvious.

“(Head coach) Paul Crarey has helped me so much and the move has been a real blessing in disguise.

“After the loan period at (London) Skolars ended I was feeling down and wanted to pack it all up and go home but now I’m having fun again.”

The 27-year-old’s loan spell at League One outfit London Skolars in March proved a positive one, but when he returned to Toronto the vagaries of the RFL’s player eligibility rules meant he was now classified under the overseas quota whereas he had not been before.

The Canadian side had brought in new players too, and Burroughs is grateful for Wolfpack head coach Paul Rowley’s help during that period.

“I made my (Skolars) debut versus Doncaster and scored three tries in five games, but when the loan period was up I was desperate to get back to Toronto and fight for my place,” said Burroughs.

“Paul said I was still his player and he would try and find a Championship club for me.

“The Wolfpack continued to pay for my accommodation in Manchester and were very supportive. When Paul told me Barrow wanted me I jumped at the chance.”

Two tries in the 34-18 win over Swinton underlined how well Burroughs has settled in and he has ambitions of progressing further.

“I want to be the first true American to play in Super League,” said Burroughs.