THE career of Leigh reserve centre Gary Thorburn is in the balance.

He suffered an horrific leg injury in a reserve game at Hilton Park on Saturday.

Thorburn shattered his tibia and fibula in his right leg and underwent a pinning and plating operation in Warrington General Hospital on Sunday.

He faces 16 weeks in plaster and then the prospect of further surgery.

But it could have been even worse had Barrow opponent Gary Spencely, a nurse, not been able to give emergency first aid on the pitch.

"It was one of the worst injuries I've ever seen," says coach Norman Turley.

"Our thoughts go out to the lad and his family."

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