WHEN teenager Callum Stone arrived at rugby training one Tuesday night in April 2017, he had no idea of the two-year battle with injury and illness that would follow.

That evening, the Woolston Rovers junior player broke his leg in a horrific accident - but the worst was still to come, as the following year doctors diagnosed the King's Leadership Academy pupil with bone cancer.

But rugby league - and in particular Warrington Wolves - has been a constant refuge, seeing him through to the news in January that he is now in remission.

In that time, Wire players have visited his Woolston home, the club have sent him DVDs of games he was unable to attend when he was too sick and he even performed the coin toss before last season's Challenge Cup semi-final.

Last week, on his 16th birthday, Callum was invited down to the team's training session at the Halliwell Jones Stadium yesterday ahead of the crunch Super League clash with Wigan Warriors.

And star half Blake Austin surprised him with a signed shirt with Callum 16 printed on the back, as well as the news that he will lead the team out before tonight’s derby game.

Warrington Guardian:

Blake Austin surprises Callum with the signed shirt on his 16th birthday

Mum Jane Forster said: "It has been really hard for Callum, because it's a really rare cancer and he was off his leg for a year even before he was diagnosed.

"But he's been absolutely amazing.

"He hasn't been able to come to games as often as he'd have liked to because he has been quite poorly, so this has been a real treat for him and he deserves it.

"Callum was diagnosed around this time last year and spent his 15th birthday in hospital in Birmingham - we practically lived at Alder Hey.

"But everyone at Warrington Wolves has been fantastic throughout his treatment.

"There have been times where he's been really low, but knowing he has their support has got him through it."

Warrington Guardian:

Callum with Blake and fullback Stefan Ratchford

Callum, whose favourite player is hooker Daryl Clark, has formed a particularly close friendship with Tongan forward Sitaleki Akauola over the past year.

Claire Gamble, fan engagement executive at Warrington Wolves, added: "We have followed Callum's story since we first heard about his diagnosis, and he has formed a special bond with Sita which has been lovely to see.

"As a club we are part of the Warrington community, and for a young rugby league player to go through such a tough time was hard to watch.

"We were in a good position to support him through his treatment and offer some respite and a reason to smile.

"For him to now be in remission is great news, and we look forward to seeing him grow stronger every day."