St Helens Barrow was born and grew up in
Thatto Heath,
St Helens. He joined his hometown professional
rugby league club
St Helens, making his debut in January 1961. During his early career, he mostly played in the 'A' team, but made occasionally first team appearances deputising for Welsh international
Kel Coslett at . He became a regular first team player following an injury to Coslett early in the
1964–65 season, and won his first silverware with the club playing in St Helens' 12–4 win over
Swinton in the
1964–65 Lancashire Cup final. Barrow retained his place in the team when Coslett recovered from injury, with the latter eventually transitioning to play at . Barrow was a part of St Helens' successful team in the
1965–66 season which won four trophies, playing at in their 35–12 against
Halifax in the Championship final, and also their 21–2 victory over rivals
Wigan in the
1965–66 Challenge Cup final. Barrow won a second Lancashire Cup medal in
1967–68 against
Warrington, and a second Championship in
1969–70 against
Leeds.
Leigh Barrow joined Leigh in 1972, where he played as a . He helped the club win
1972–73 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy against
Widnes. ==Coaching career==