A YOUNG rugby league fan who beat cancer had a dream come true when he led his beloved Leigh Centurions out in their first home game back in Super League.

Glazebury Church of England Primary School pupil Riley Agent, five, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer, when he was only 10 days old in November 2011.

But after months of gruelling treatment, Riley’s tumour began to calcify and doctors gave him the all clear just before his fifth birthday.

On Friday night, the Leigh Centurions super fan carried the match ball onto the Leigh Sports Village pitch as the team played their first home game back in Super League against Leeds Rhinos, live on Sky Sports.

Mum Pam said: “It was a once in a lifetime experience to get to do something like that and he’ll never forget it – he’s not stopped talking about it since.

“The atmosphere was amazing – everyone was buzzing.

“Everyone at the club was absolutely brilliant – they really looked after us and Riley felt like a celebrity.

“We’re going to frame his kit and the programme from the night – it was really special.”

Riley was also given a tour of the changing rooms and allowed special access to watch the Leythers in training in the build up to the big game.

Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: “It was great to meet Riley and his family.

“He’s a remarkable young man to have come through so much with a huge smile on his face.

“We are so pleased to have been able to give him this opportunity and hope he’ll continue to support the club for years to come.”

The little boy was chosen for the honour after Leigh Centurions’ owner Derek Beaumont heard how Riley beat cancer from his mum Pam’s employers, at Leigh firm Astley Hire, who sponsored the ball for the game.

Pam’s boss, Stephen Dorricott, who is Managing Director at Leigh-based firm Astley Hire also attended the game with other staff members.

He said: “We were delighted to be able to sponsor the ball for the game, especially as it was the Leigh Centurions' first home game of the season since the got promoted to the Super league.

“We were even more delighted when we heard from Derek that he wanted to let Riley carry the ball on to the pitch. It was such a kind gesture, and such a wonderful experience for Riley and his family. I’m sure they won’t forget it for a very long time.”