A FIVE-YEAR-OLD boy who beat life-threatening cancer fulfilled his dream when he performed a starring role at the Leigh Centurions’ first home game of the season.

Riley Agent had the honour of carrying the match ball on to the pitch ahead of his beloved local team’s thrilling clash against Leeds Rhinos on Friday night.

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.

Riley was diagnosed with an aggressive form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma stage 4s aged just 10 days old, in November, 2011.

The schoolboy, who lives in Leigh, was last to walk on to the pitch at Leigh Sports Village before the 8pm kick-off, proudly carrying the ball in front of the assembled fans as he accompanied referee Jack Smith.

Riley’s mum Pam, aged 37, watched the game with her son and his grandad, Phil Agent.

She said her son had loved every minute of his experience.

She said: “It was fantastic; he absolutely loved it.

“We had a little tour before. He loved seeing the changing rooms and watching the players training as well.”