INSPIRATIONAL Leigh Centurions  leader  Oliver Wilkes could be on his way to Barrow Raiders.

Coach Paul Crarey remained tight-lipped over the situation, but if rumours prove to be true the Scotland international could be a Raiders player next season.

The 35-year-old  former Raiders academy player is  said to be looking at property in his native Ulverston, and should he come his signature would be seen as a massive coup for Barrow.

Wilkes is in his second spell with  Leigh and  the powerful forward has been a major influence in the Centurions Championship domination over the past two seasons.

The team already have one hand on  the league leaders' shield this season after sharing the points in a 36-36 draw with Bradford  at the Provident Stadium at the weekend. 

The result the sees Leigh  two points  ahead of the Bulls with a vastly superior points difference and a game in hand as the regular season nears completion ahead of the split for the Super 8s.

Wilkes  also   played  a huge part in  Leigh's  tremendous 2015 Challenge Cup run before  the side bowed out  at  the last eight  stage of the world famous competition  to Warrington Wolves.

Barrow coach Crarey, a long time friend and admirer of  Wilkes, said: "There is a big rumour going around  that he is coming to Barrow, but not as I know of, and no deal has been done so that's about as I know at this present time."

Asked if he would like to bring Wilkes to Barrow should he become available, Crarey continued: "Definitely. He is  a great player and a great lad as well.

"I have coached him at county level, he played against England. He is really good to have around for his knowledge of the game.

"He is passionate, he is a great trainer, everything you want out of a professional and that's why  he's played at that level for so long.

"It would be good for us if we could get him, he is a big unit, has  good go forward and is very tough as well. He would be great for all the younger kids at the club. If it was possible to get him it would be brilliant.

"He is captain of Leigh Centurions, he is not a Barrow player. All we know is we would like to have him if it was possible.

"I know he is moving to the area, I have spoken to him, he is a friend of mine.

"I don't know what he is actually going to do next year until we either get a chance to speak to him or he becomes available.

"I have known Ollie since he was a kid, he is great bloke and if it was possible to get him at this club it would be a massive, massive signing.

He added:  "All I know is that he is a Leigh Centurions  player and they have got their work cut out to make this middle eight.   His job is with Leigh Centurions until anything changes or we can sit down and have a talk with him if it was possible to get him."

  Wilkes  is contracted to Leigh until November with the club having a further one-year option on the player

His  first spell at Leigh in 2004 was also successful and included the Grand Final victory over Whitehaven that clinched promotion to Super League. 

Wilkes emerged through the ranks of Sheffield Eagles and has since played for Huddersfield, Keighley, Whitehaven, Wigan, Widnes, Harlequins and had two spells with Wakefield.

 He has scored 72 tries in 394 club appearances in a notable year career that has also seen him represent Scotland in two World Cups and his native Cumbria.