Former Barrow Raiders manager Garry Schofield has stepped back from media work after revealing a brain damage diagnosis. 

The rugby league legend, who coached in Cumbria for a brief spell in 2010 and 2011, confirmed in an emotional final column for Total Rugby League that he is no longer able to work in the sport.

The hall-of-famer wrote about the several operations that he had on his eye from 2019 onwards, which eventually led to it being removed.

Following that surgery, he has suffered from “headaches, migraines, forgetfulness, anxiety and lack of concentration” and writes that those symptoms were diagnosed as brain damage in March 2023, which he has kept a secret until now. 

The brain damage is also likely to lead to a dementia diagnosis.

Garry in 2010 after taking the job at Barrow RaidersGarry in 2010 after taking the job at Barrow Raiders (Image: Mail Archive) As a result, the 59-year-old has stepped away from all media duties and his life around rugby league to focus on his health and his day-to-day life.

He also made reference to fellow rugby league star Rob Burrow, who sadly lost his battle with motor neurone disease earlier this year, at the age of just 41. 

Garry wrote: "I’m on daily medication, but life has to go on. Like I said, my problems go back to December 2019, and I realise, of course, that’s when Rob Burrow received a far worse diagnosis than me. His story is devastating, and it’s one that makes me realise that, by comparison, I am lucky."

Garry was appointed as Barrow boss in 2010, having only previously worked as a player-coach during his time at Huddersfield in the 90s. 

Garry once held the record transfer fee in rugby league, as well as the most caps for Great BritainGarry once held the record transfer fee in rugby league, as well as the most caps for Great Britain (Image: Mail Archive) He lasted just five games and left in March 2011 having failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Northern Rail Cup, and winning unconvincingly against amateur side Leigh Miners Rangers in the Challenge Cup.

He then returned to his media duties where he has continued to be a beloved name within the sport for over 30 years.

He concluded his column with a poignant sign-off, writing "goodbye, rugby league. It’s been a hell of a ride!"