Rugby League: Victorious Saints march in to a heroes’ welcome

Aug 27 2007 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Daily Post

THE Saints who received a heroes’ welcome yesterday could have their victory immortalised in stone.

St Helens Rugby League Club players were cheered in the streets of the town yesterday as the Challenge Cup winners headed an open-top bus tour surrounded by thousands of supporters.

Now a plan to design a statue of the club’s greatest-ever player – as named by fans – was announced at the event yesterday, in honour of the club’s success.

The new statue, to be commissioned by St Helens council, would be placed on the roundabout on the A570 link road, close to the site of the planned new Saints’ stadium near the town centre.

Talks have already begun with a sculptor to discuss the project and talks will be ongoing with the rugby club to progress the details.

Fans will be asked to name which Saints’ player is the greatest of all time in a competition, so that designs for the new statue can be drawn up.

The announcement was made yesterday, at the civic reception celebrating the team’s Wembley victory in the Challenge Cup over the Catalan Dragons.

Council leader Brian Spencer said: “This tribute is long overdue.

“The statue will be placed on one of the most prominent gateway sites into the borough which will, fittingly, be near the site of the proposed new stadium.

“The club have been marvellous ambassadors for our borough, and we thought it was time we chose to honour the club for their sporting and community achievements over their long and prestigious history.

“I am very proud to be making this announcement in recognition of a world-class sporting club, which is such a vital part of our borough’s past, present and future.

“The homecoming was a wonderful way to celebrate their success and thousands of people of all ages enjoyed a day in the sunshine. The rugby club is synonymous with the town and it was an opportunity to thank them for all they have done for us.”

In 2001, the council awarded the club Freedom of the Borough status following its record- breaking sporting achievements. Yesterday, the Saints were given the red carpet treatment to celebrate their 30-8 victory over the Catalan Dragons at Wembley.

A stage was set up in the centre of the town for the crowds to be entertained with live music before the arrival of the players.

Thousands had lined the tour route to cheer the players in an open-top bus.

The tour culminated at the town hall, where supporters had created a sea of red and white in Victoria Square.