BARROW'S Love Island and Rugby League star Jacques O'Neill could be set for a sensational return to the sport, according to Barrow and Cumbria coach Paul Crarey.

Crarey has said that O'Neill, who attended Dowdales School, would be welcome to play for the county in their match against Jamaica on October 7.

23-year-old O'Neill left Castleford, where he played as a hooker, to join the cast of Love Island in June, and has not yet returned to the sport.

Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria, Crarey said: "Jacques is definitely a Cumbrian and he would be an option if he wanted to play.

"He would probably bring people in to watch, and raise the profile of Cumbrian rugby league.

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"That's what it's all about - if Ellis (Gillam, Barrow back-row) can get hold of him and he can come and have a run out for us, and get his head back on rugby league.

"He's finished Love Island now, he's a Cumbrian lad as I know him from his junior days and he'd pull a few in on the day if we can get him involved."

Cumbria's last outing as a rugby league side was in a narrow defeat to England Knights in 2011, and their return will see them take the field at Workington's Derwent Park in a World Cup warm-up match for Reggae Warriors.

"I'm sure we'll get a competitive side out from players at the three Cumbrian clubs and from other places," Crarey added.

"You know, Jacques O'Neill, he might be available. 

"There's the likes of Kyle Amor who's keen to represent Cumbria again, and they started their careers there.

"It's a long time since we had a chance to represent Cumbria, it's great to see it back. 

"There are some great players, and it's probably been a little bit late, but hopefully it will help Workington at their ground financially and give them a bit of a boost."

Previously they have also provided the opposition for touring sides such as America, Tonga, and Australia.

Players from Barrow, Whitehaven, and Workington will be eligible, as will those Cumbrian heritage players who have moved to Super League and are not involved in the upcoming World Cup.

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