Ex-St Helens and Warrington Wolves man returns to rugby league after heart problem

Unfortunately, injuries are a part and parcel of rugby league.

Whilst some players can go through their careers relatively unscathed, some just seem to be plagued by issues.

One unlucky soul has been Gary Wheeler – who was tipped for greatness when he first came through the ranks at St Helens.

Selected for the England senior squad in 2013, Wheeler – who can play anywhere along the backline – made 65 appearances for hometown club Saints.

From there he moved on to the Warrington Wolves where injury blighted his time at the club, with Wheeler making only 12 appearances in two seasons at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

A short spell at Toronto Wolfpack threatened to rejuvenate his career, but just 24 appearances in four years said it all.

However, things went from bad to worse for Wheeler in 2021 when he suffered with heart problems, but he has now made his comeback for Barrow Raiders over the weekend – and he couldn’t be happier.

Wheeler posted on Instagram: “Was great to get back out there at the weekend!! Been a long time since I put the 🥾on, I’ve had a few heart issues over the last couple of months but great full to be given the all clear! ❤️Looking forward to the season now with a club that’s really making an effort on and off the field to do greater things.”

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