RYAN Owen is a promising young prop forward in the Warrington Wolves under 18s team who is destined for great things in rugby league.

It is inspiring to see how Ryan has got to where he is today.

As a child, Ryan was diagnosed as being 70 per cent deaf and, aged 13, doctors recommended that he stopped playing rugby league.

However, Ryan decided that his deafness wouldn’t hold him back.

Ryan has stuck to his word and he hasn’t let it hold him back at all.

He has junior international caps to his name and is still pushing himself to achieve his dream – to be a Warrington Wolves first-team player.

Ryan, originally from Wigan, was asked if he had any advice for people with disabilities, who want to get involved in sport but have doubts about whether they can take part or not, and Ryan simply said: “Don’t be soft, get stuck in.”

Ryan shows on and off the pitch that he certainly isn’t soft and simply to see Ryan near a rugby pitch again after two horrific injuries is testament to his intestinal fortitude.

Last season, Ryan suffered an horrific injury during a game, competing for a low ball, when his skull was shattered and his eye socket pushed almost into his brain.

Fortunately, medical staff identified the complexity of the injury which prevented it from causing further damage.

Ryan underwent a six-hour operation and had a metal plate fitted in the front of his skull which means that he can play the game he loves again.

All that came after having been out for nine months with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that often sees lesser players hang their boots up for good.

Ryan is able to continue to play through the encouragement and support of his friends, family and coaches, for whom Ryan is a huge credit and someone to be proud of.

In addition, through the support of Optimum (Wigan based sports equipment manufacturer), Ryan can continue to play with the metal plate in his head. Optimum have designed and fabricated a scrum cap specifically for Ryan with additional padding around the plate and forehead as well as adjustments to accommodate Ryan’s hearing aids.

For Optimum owner Peter Moran, it was something he wanted to support and both himself and the staff at Optimum have been hugely accommodating in their support.

For Ryan, the future is in his hands and will have a bright future as long as he continues to work hard at his game.

Gary Chambers, Warrington Wolves under 18s coach, said: "He's an outstanding player; his biggest attributes are that he's tough and damned honest. "He's a pleasure to coach and the lads love him being around. He's pretty inspirational to all of them.

"You combine that with his skill level and his drive and he's a quite a formidable package."