BARROW Raiders Ladies star Vanessa Temple determination and her Cumbrian DNA played a part in her return to Rugby League and recent good form.

The second-row was named in the Rugby League World team of the month for April after some fine displays for Raiders.

Her success is all the more remarkable given that she suffered what at the time was potentially a career-ending injury in 2022.

The former Wigan Warrior and England international has fought her way back, and is delighted to be donning a Barrow shirt in their debut season at the top tier of the women’s game.

Speaking to the Barrow Raiders’ official Facebook page, she said: “Obviously to get back and play at the top level is a bonus.

“It’s a bonus to be playing after a full ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), fractured tibia and torn meniscus.

“So yeah I didn’t really think I would get back to playing at the top level, let alone being named in the team of the month, so I’m really chuffed with it.”

Going from potentially seeing her career ended, Temple made an unbelievable recovery – returning after just six months out.

Speaking about her astonishingly speedy return, she said: “Cumbrians are maybe built differently.  I managed to pay for a bit of private physio.

“And it was just determination. I’m not young anymore, so there was a determination to get back. I didn’t want it to be another year out.

“I did some extra rehab, did some private physio, hired a PT for a bit and managed to get back six months after my op to play.”

While justifiably feeling a sense of personal pride having come back from such adversity, the 34-year-old is proud to be part of the history making Raiders side.

“It’s great obviously to have a Cumbrian team in amongst all these big name teams that have got these big men’s clubs with them as well.

“To play for a local team and to be still playing at the ripe old age of 34, it’s nice to be able to help Barrow get there (Women’s Super League) and to compete there.”