Wigan
Rugby League
(a pictorial history)
by Graham Morris
Images of Sport Series - Tempus Publishing
As
the author and researcher of this book Graham Morris says, when it comes
to presenting the story of Wigan Rugby League club, its not a matter
of what to include, but what will miss out. Such is the scope of a book
when covering the success and greatness that Wigan has delivered over
the last 130 years.
Told
through photographs and accompanying detailed comments, the rich history
of the club that had its origins as far back as 1872 presents a remarkable
benchmark for any football club - of any code or competition.
As
a team Wigan has produced countless championship trophies, a record
breaking 26 Challenge Cup Finals, Super League winners and triple World
Club Champions.
As
individuals, many of their players have been the finest the game of
rugby league has seen. Heroes like 'Gentlemen Jim' Leytham, 'Peerless'
Jim Sullivan, Joe Egan, Billy Boston ('The Kid from Tiger Bay'), Dave
Bolton, Ellery Hanley, Martin Offiah and Shaun Edwards - and dozens
more!
The
book also recalls famous matches between Wigan and touring international
teams from France, Italy, New Zealand and Australia. Along with triumphs
over French and Australian champion club sides (Carcassone, Roanne,
Manly, Penrith and Brisbane). There is also the success of the Sydney
World 7s and the cross-code match-up against Bath.
While
Wigan has seen the rise of many local players over its history, it has
never been shy to seek out the best the players from other Northern
clubs and all points of the globe - and they've successfully been at
it for nearly for a 100 years!
The
origins of the famed Wigan three-quarter line of 90 seasons ago of Jimmy
Leytham (Lancaster), Bert Jenkins (Welsh RU), Lance Todd (New Zealand)
and Joe Miller (local amatuer club Pemberton Rovers) was the perfect
example of the blend that would follow over the century. The list of
Englishmen, Australians, New Zealanders, Welsh and South Africans who
have played at Wigan is a "who's who" of rugby league - and
union.
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Australia's
incumbent Test half Queenslander Hector Gee (left) training
in 1933 alongside soon to be Welsh international George Bennett.
The Wigan duo shared glory in the 1934 Championship team. The
field is covered in straw to protect the pitch from the winter
weather.
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The
deeds of Wigan's greatest teams and players are brought to life in
the pages of the this book, with over 200 photographs and images.
A great addition to any rugby league fan's bookshelf!
Published
by Tempus Publishing - ISBN 0 7524 2299 5
