CHRIS Fleming has revealed how a serious illness in his family almost led to him walking away from rugby league earlier this year as he prepares to enter his third season with Barrow Raiders.

On the field, the winger proved to be one of the stars of the 2016 Kingstone Press League One campaign for the club, finishing as their joint-second-highest try-scorer after crossing the whitewash 11 times in 16 matches.

However, that came against a backdrop of a difficult time personally, which led to Fleming taking a spell away from Craven Park and considering his future after his mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Yet it was the support of former chairman David Sharpe and his partner, head coach Paul Crarey, director of rugby Andy Gaffney and his team-mates which help him through that period – so much so that he has now agreed a new contract with the Raiders.

“My mum is quite ill and when we found it was terminal, I stepped away from the club,” said Fleming. “I told the lads I'd had enough and that I didn't want to play anymore, but after speaking to a few lads - in particular Liam Harrison, who was amazing; I'm good mates with Dally (Jamie Dallimore), (Karl) Ashall and Fieldy (Ryan Fieldhouse) - they all gave me a few private messages.

“Cresta and Gaff were unbelievable with the way they treated me, and it made me really think about it. I've got to give massive thanks to David Sharpe and Dawn (Knowles) as well, they treated me so well and the way the club treated me, I couldn't think of playing anywhere else.

“And the lads, it's probably the first club I've been at where there isn't a clique with certain groups of lads. Everybody is on the same page and the same wavelength, and it's just a great atmosphere to be around.”

Originally from Wigan, the Warrington Wolves Academy product joined Barrow for the 2015 season following a year in Australia playing for Tweed Heads Seagulls in the Queensland Cup. Prior to that, Fleming had spent three seasons up the Cumbrian coast with Whitehaven.

Fleming admits his first year, which saw him manage just five tries in 15 games, did not go as he would have hoped, but he is grateful to Crarey for giving him the opportunity to show his true ability and is aiming to go even better in 2017.

“That was a big thing for me,” said Fleming. “I know Cresta gave me a second chance this year. My first year didn't go as I planned it to go, but I then finished off strongly and it was a matter of proving to Cresta and showing him a bit of something in return for the faith he has shown in me.

“I struggled to be consistent in my first year and last year I picked up a bit of a knock which kept me out for a few weeks.

“I had a few bad weeks at home due to family illness and it just kind of refocussed me and got my head straight. As soon as I could find my feet again, I felt right at home and I loved every minute of it.”

Fleming's fellow three-quarter Andy Litherland has agreed a new contract with the Raiders as well, with the former Walney Central amateur now entering his third season at Craven Park.

Litherland proved prolific for Barrow during the 2016 campaign, scoring 10 tries in 13 starts, and director of rugby Andy Gaffney is pleased both have decided to remain with the club.

“Chris can play wing, full-back and cover centre with equal aplomb,” said Gaffney. “He loves the club, this will be his third season and he is improving all of the time. His ability and enthusiasm have earned the respect of all his team-mates and the coaching staff.

“Andy is another local product starting his third season. He is equally at home playing in the centre or second row, and we are looking for him to establish himself in the starting line-up week after week. He is still learning and we hope he will be a big part of the team for years to come.”