A FIVE-year-old boy from Leigh who beat life-threatening cancer 'felt like a celebrity' on Friday night as his rugby dream came true.

Leigh Centurions fan Riley Agent was given the honour of carrying the match ball onto the pitch for the club's first home Super League game in 11 years.

Accompanied by referee Jack Smith, he was the last person onto the pitch.

After handing the ball over to the match official he watched his first live game with his mum Pam and granddad Phil, and although the Centurions ended up losing the clash against Leeds 17-14 it was a night the rugby-obsessed youngster 'will never forget'.

Pam, 37, said: “It was fantastic, he absolutely loved it.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience to get to do something like that and he will never forget it.

"He has not stopped talking about it since.

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

“We are going to frame his kit and the programme from the night. It was really special.”

Centurions chairman Derek Beaumont chose Riley for the starring role in the televised game at Leigh Sports Village after hearing how he had won a near five-year battle with an aggressive form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma stage 4S.

Pam added: “We had a little tour beforehand. Riley loved seeing the changing rooms and watching the players training.

“It was really busy in the tunnel before the game. Riley was very excited.

"We met Derek Beaumont and he was so nice.

“Every time he walked past us he would give Riley a high-five and have a little chat.

"He told him to focus all his lucky energy on the ball and think about the team winning."

Derek said: “It was great to meet Riley and his family.

“He is 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 will 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.”