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VIDEO LINK
A les Boyd Try 1978 Kangaroos(links to www.centenaryofrugbyleague.com.au)

Stats -

Video Clips - Bring back the biff. Old school GB vs Australia rugby league brawls. Watch for Les right at the end of the clip
To view just click the Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-e5ejh8mPo

courtesy of Tony Adams great book The Hitmen - A tribute to League's tough guys.

"When I started back in '76', it was a tough initiation. At the time, it was either adapt or become extinct. So I toed the line. If I'd come down to play as a young kid now, I've no doubt it would of been a completely different story. - Les Boyd

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Les Boyd without doubt the most inspirational player of his era.

Came back for a friendly against Wigan in the USA and within 10 was sent of for planting Ellery Hanley.

Fair play, he said all week that he was going to kick his head in..... and did.

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Warrington v Wigan, 1 January, 1988 NEW YEAR'S DAY PUNCH-UP - WILDERSPOOL

has staged many bad tempered matches but nothing compares to the New Year's Day 'derby' against Wigan in 1988.

While the game itself had a dramatic finale, it was the opening 20 minutes which captured all the headlines.

Wilderspool's biggest 'gate' of the season and highest league attendance for 15 years - 10,056 - ended up watching an 11-a-side game.

Southport referee Kevin Allatt sent four players off as the game boiled over. Another player was sent to the sin bin.

Afterwards, Warrington coach Tony Barrow described the episode as 'World War Three.'

The start was delayed eight minutes to allow the crowd to get in but on the pitch there was trouble from the first minute as Warrington's Les Boyd and Wigan's Adrian Shelford clashed.

There were other clashes before the game errupted on eight minutes, when Boyd and Andy Gregory tangled. Players from both sides piled in and Allatt ended up sending off Warrington's Tony Humphries with Wigan's Shelford.

Boyd was ordered to the sin bin. Even that did not end the hostility for on 20 minutes Wigan second rower Andy Goodway, currently the Great Britain coach, felled Paul Cullen and was sent marching to the tunnel.

As Goodway walked to the tunnel Cullen chased after him and launched himself at the Wigan player. A new brawl erupted and Cullen and Goodway had to be separated before the Warrington centre was also dismissed.

Cullen's moment of madness cost him a two match ban and probably cost Warrington victory, although Tony Barrow claimed at the time that Goodway had stamped on Cullen as he trooped towards the exit.

Thankfully, that was the end of the scenes but the game had already been tarnished. Wigan then opened the scoring when Ellery Hanley broke clear from the half way line.

Warrington responded with Australian Boyd leading the fightback. His power running set up touch downs for Billy McGinty and Brian Johnson. A drop goal from John Woods just before half-time gave Warrington a 13-4 advantage.

Then Gregory added his influence. His kick brought a try for Steve Hampson and then he was involved in the play that put Hanley over for his second try that gave Wigan a 14-13 lead.

Woods put over a penalty for off side but Gregory's drop goal two minutes from the end gave them a share of the spoils.

Warrington were in second place in the Stones Bitter Championship at the time - chasing Widnes for the title.

Result: Warrington 15 Wigan 15

Team:

Brian Johnson; Des Drummond, Paul Cullen, Joe Ropati, David Lyon; John Woods, Martin Crompton; Les Boyd, Kevin Tamati, Tony Humphries, Bob Jackson, Ronnie Duane, Billy McGinty.

Subs: Mark Roberts, Gary Sanderson.

Tries: McGinty, Johnson.

Goals: Woods 3.

Drop goal: Woods.

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Boydy brought a new level of Biff to Wilderspool.

Unprecedented fun on the terraces when Boyd took the ball up.

Unforgettable character and, as is so often the case, a real gentle and pleasant man off the pitch.

Thanks for the memories, Sir Les.

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One of the worst was George Fairbairn on Les Boyd in a '82 test.

Les burst through, drew George, passed the ball. George hit him with the elbow full on the jaw 5 minutes late.

Les fell on his @rse shaking his head.

The Aussie trainer ran on to Les laughing his socks off.

If I'd have been George I'd have feigned a broken elbow

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As for Les Boyd!! What a hard bugger.

But what a great bloke. Unless my memory is playing tricks I am sure Les came over on the 1978 tour. I was at High School then (Airedale High in Castleford) and fractured my collarbone playing rugby.

I went to Hightown hospital for the nurses to check progress on the injury.

As I entered the small waiting room (5 chairs pushed together) there sat Les Boyd in his green tracksuit top all by himself.

I sat a respectful two chairs away absolutely terrified.

But after 10 minutes of chatting to Les I found he was a genuine and fantastic bloke.

I couldn't understand how a bloke like this was bashing the GB pack about.

A great memory for a young lad.

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Les boyd was an absoloute animal.

Phenomenal player, any vote for kurt sorenson should be erased because Boyd demolished the kiwi bully. (sorenson always picked on small blokes)

Find out about Boyds final game for warrington in america.

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ARTICLE WHICH APPEARS IN "THIS IS WARRINGTON WEBSITE" click here to view the article

WHEN Les Boyd signed for Warrington Rugby League Club it was considered to be a huge gamble. The Australian Test forward turned out to be the club's best overseas signing of the 1980s.

Warrington fans will never forget his finest hour, his man of the match performance in guiding Wire, as the Wolves were then known, to the 1986 Premiership final success over champions Halifax at Elland Road.

Neither will supporters forget the commitment, the passion and the aggression with which he defended fortress Wilderspool when opposition hard men attempted to knock him down in their claims to be top dog.

Widnes' great Kiwi Kurt Sorenson was one who always fancied his chances against Boyd and they collided in some great duels during their stay in England. Boydy, or even Sir Les, was a born winner, would not accept second best and it was a pleasure to see him wearing the Warrington colours with pride.

The so-called gamble of signing Boyd was based upon his reputation in Australia but the Wire chiefs were right. Bringing him over to Britain gave Boyd a fresh start, a different challenge and a new lease of life.

His Australian career had become clouded in controversy after such a bright and positive start. Four years with Western Suburbs were followed by five years with Manley in which time he gained State of Origin honours and international caps for Australia.

It was playing for New South Wales in the State of Origin in June, 1983, that his career took a turn for the worse. Boydy's elbow tackle broke the jaw of prop forward Darryl Brohman and he was hit with a 12-month ban.

He had not been sent off for the incident but cited by video. His return for Manley in 1984 lasted only three matches. He was found guilty of 'gouging' Canterbury-Bankstown hooker Billy Johnston and handed a 15-month suspension which finished his career down under.

It was towards the end of Boydy's second ban that Wire chairman Peter Higham snapped him up, in the year in which the ban on signing Australian players was lifted. Boyd made his debut for Warrington in the Lancashire Cup semi-final 11-4 success over Widnes at Wilderspool on October 2, 1995.

Two matches later he was seeking his first winners' medal in the game when he again lined up in the second row in the Lancashire Cup final side which was defeated 34-8 by Wigan at Knowsley Road.

Despite the disappointment of cup final defeat, Boydy's finest hour was only around the corner as the season ended on a high note for Wire - with Boyd in his more familiar role of prop forward.

After Paul Bishop's five drop goals had helped Warrington to win 23-12 at Wigan in the semi-finals of the Premiership Trophy, Warrington, with Boyd as captain, went on to face champions Halifax in the final at Elland Road. Boyd was an absolute inspiration to all around him.

He and players like full back Paul Ford and scrum half Andy Gregory had their best games in Wire shirts as Tony Barrow's men lifted the trophy with a top drawer display which crushed Chris Anderson's champions 38-10.

Boyd, who scored two tries in the final, won the Harry Sunderland Trophy for his man of the match display. The season ended with Boyd having made 33 appearances and having scored 13 tries.

In the following campaign came one of Boyd's awesome confrontations with Widnes' New Zealand Test prop Sorenson. Boydy was awesome as he outshone Sorenson and steered Wire to the John Player Trophy final with a convincing 35-4 victory at Central Park, Wigan.

It was Wigan who Warrington met in the final at Bolton Wanderers' Burnden Park and they suffered badly without a recognised scrum half in the side. Wigan came out on top 18-4.

That season, 1986/87, Boyd went on to score five tries in 26 appearances. Boyd's third season with Warrington started disastrously as he broke his right arm in the second game at Halifax. He returned to the side three months later but when he broke his arm for a second time in the 24-20 Challenge Cup defeat at home to St. Helens on February 13, 1988, Boyd decided to retire.

But before leaving for Australia one week later Boyd told his good friend and chairman, Higham, that he would be prepared to return if the club felt his services were needed and if his business commitments would allow.

After his injury healed, Boyd rejoined the club where he played when he was 16, Cootamundra, and led them to the Australian Country Championship.

It turned out that Higham felt Boyd was needed back at Wilderspool. In November 1988 Boyd was approached to take over the coaching reins at Wilderspool following Tony Barrow's departure to Oldham. Boyd turned the role down due to business commitments.

Warrington did eventually persuade Boyd out of retirement - as a player - in January 1989 at the start of Brian Johnson's spell as coach. It brought together the formidable front row partnership of Boyd and Australian Test star Steve Roach as Wire geared up for their Challenge Cup final bid - a competition Warrington had not won for 15 years.

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Boydie was an absolute monster.

Best memory is the Warrington-Wigan challenge in the USA.

Boyd said all week that he was going to belt Hanley all over the field.

True to his word they both went off within 10 for fighting.

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About 1990 Les Boyd was in his final spell at Warrington. He came as guest of honour to Heysham who were in process of forming a club, and who were playing my team Stockport.

That day I did not occupy my usual full back berth, but played scrum half and hooker at various times in the game.

After the game (which Heysham won) I gave Les a lift back to Warrington. What a nice guy - we had an interesting journey.

When he heard that I was 43 he commented, "bloody hell I hope I'll be half as good as you when I get to that age".

Boy did my head swell!

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Les boyd is a god, great player, great bloke hard as nails.
Privilaged to have seen him play for warrington.

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LES BOYD MAKES WESTERN SUBURBS TEAM OF THE CENTURY
From West Tigers website - to visit click here

On the 20th April 1908 the first official game of Rugby League was played in the Sydney Premiership. The combatants were the Western Suburbs Magpies and the Balmain Tigers. Since that time, there have been a total of 15 Premierships won between the clubs and a host of State of Origin, Kangaroo and Premiership stars produced. A wealth of legendary moments played out by some of the true legends of the game. To celebrate the history and prestige associated with two of Australia's most famous Rugby League Teams, as well as embrace their recent unification into the Wests Tigers, it is time to celebrate the....

Wests Tigers TEAM OF THE CENTURY

A panel of judges spanning the different eras from both Clubs will select nominees according to strict criteria. The panel comprised Keith Barnes (Balmain), Kevin Humphreys (Balmain), John 'Chow' Hayes (Wests), Rick Wayde (Wests) and Ian Heads (Independent). A Western Suburbs and a Balmain Tigers team has been selected by the panel representing each club, before the unenviable task of selecting the best combined team took place.

The Western Suburbs Team of the Century was

Fullback: Frank McMillan
Wingers: Peter Dimond, Alan Ridley
Centres: Cliff Pearce, Harry Wells
Five-Eighth: Vic Hey
Halfback: Keith Holman
Lock: Les Boyd
Second Row: Arthur Clues, Kel O'Shea
Front Row: Jack Donnelly, Ed Courtney
Hooker: Noel Kelly

Reserves: Bill Carson, Neville Charlton, John Dorahy, Tom Raudonikis

Coach: Roy Masters.

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The new years day match Warrington V Wigan was the first Warrington match i attended with the preverbial new years day hang over and it's a day i will never forget.

The picture of Andy Gregory trying to land one on Les Boyd and les Just keeping him at arms length.

From the Fletcher Street end it looked as if Les just put his hand on Andy's head to keep him out of reach.

The guy was a legend.

i had the privalege to attend a sportsmans diner at Bank Quay sports and social club a couple of years back where les was the guest speaker.

The guy is a true gent and he was still there two hours after he had finished speaking answering questions and signing autographs.

Long Live Sir Les

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I heard Boyd interviewed last week.

He was asked if he had any regrets....he said he wished he got to spend more time/went to england earlier...he loved it over there too...and they loved him.

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Seeing Boyd (or "Sir Lesley" as he was known to the faithful) trundle out onto the pitch in the Wire colours was always an inspiration.

Short and dumpy looking, who could have imagined how explosive, strong, fiery and quick he would be?

Can't remember the match but just the incident, when he took a pile of four or five defenders over the line with him, and they tried to hold him up, only for a hand to emerge from the bundle of bodies to plant the ball firmly over the try line.

A bonafide biff hero.

They don't come tougher.

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I watched Boyd play for warrington for several years against my team (saints), and he had the ability of a complete footballer as well as a complete thug.

Most annoying of all though was his ability to hypnotise referees, and make them believe he was a trainee angel.

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I remember the famous Battle of Brookvale from the 1979 season.

As defending premiers, Manly struggled in 1979 after so many of their players were selected in the previous year's Kangaroo Tour.

Rex Mossop took a lot of flak for selecting the game for his weekly Sunday night telecast despite there being better games available (per the standings).

Rex as always though had a great intuition.

The game was being played hard, when a scuffle broke out between Tom Mooney (Manly winger) & Les Boyd (Wests second rower).

The Manly captain, max Krilich stepped in to seperate the 2 players, when this freight train charged in from the left hand side of the screen & king hit Krilich.

It was the fastest I ever saw Donelly move. After that it was on for 'young & old' with players fighting over the top of the unconscious Krilich.

Randall (Manly) & Donelly were both sent off with the papers calling the game the day after 'The Battle of Brookvale'.

Max Krilich appeared on the nightly news during the week & couldn't move his neck.

As you guessed he was available & played for Manly the next weekend.

Some truely tough men appeared in that game.

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Les Boyd must have been very easy to wind up due to the nature of his 'girlie' voice.

Mills was a cross section of hard and mad.

But hardest Pom has to be VK and Ray Price always put his body on the line, especially those bandaged knees.

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Boyd was awesome-especially remember the Premiership final against Halifax.

Mike Nicholas was another hard man and his try against Fev in the 74 challenge cup final was typical-he had some great scraps against that Featherstone team of the 70s-Stone, Thompson etc.

Great memories!

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i have watched some epic tussles between wigan and warrington when les boyd wanted to fight the whole wigan team .

the bloke was a nutter!!!!

likewise you could look forward to a bit of spilt claret when kurt sorensen was around, if he lasted the game out!!

the hardest and possibly the quietest player i haveever seen was the legendary brian mctigue

no one messed with mac more than once, once was usually enough!!

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Growing up as a admirer of the hardest man of league.

Then the opportunity to be coached by him was a milestone at a very young age.

Les coached our school boy's side in 1979 which Won the Tom Roudonikas Cup 38-0.

While we were slotted at training he was always a Gentle men in his approach. I found this man not only to be a a great person but some-one that believed in your ability if shown on the gruelling sessions he conducted.

Les you are a gentle and the hardest man that ever walked.

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The Les Boyd Copybook Tackle

It was the early-mid 1980's.

My half-jap mate Frank and I, had just turned 18 (sill at school) and were up at the local watching origin.

I cant remember which game in the series, but we are watching big Daryl Brohman in a massive run-up. He was like a freight train. He seemed unstoppable.

He was also a special player as he was one of first of the Penrith (chocolate soldiers in those days) players to play rep football.

He was symbolic of a coming of age for this emerging club.

Then ..."Whooska" we see Les Boyd run up him and king-hit-smash-pow Brohman on the jaw.

Brohman's face (jaw)and Penrith's reps dream lay in tatters.

This was the biff of biff's in my living memory-totally unsurpassed-the whack to end all whacks.

As a postscript, Brohman v Boyd made legal (and league) history as Brohman successfully sued the baby-faced assassin in court for quite a sum.

It begs the question to us biff fans-when is a biff acceptable or when is it a disgrace?

Years later, I hear that Brohman hasn't forgiven Boyd, but ironically, Boyd has seen himself clear to forgive himself.

I, Frank and big Daryl will never forget the Les Boyd copybook tackle.

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Everyone who is a Warrington RLFC supporter, will have Les Boyd in thier all time best Warrington players team.

He was the hardest player we have ever had.

I was on holiday in Australia in 84, the time he seemed to be getting banned for everything.

Was made up when I heared he was coming to the Wires in 85, saw the 86 premership final v Halifax and many fights with Widnes and Wigan, great days !

Sir Les v King Kurt, would not like to be in the middle of them two.

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Sir Les is scared of two things;

1. his wife spending money

2. sharks

Things he definitely ISNT scared of are Kurt Sorensen and Adrian Shelford.

I think Sir Les should be promoted from a mere knighthood to Lord Boyd - nay GOD!

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Boyd is my all time favourite warrington player,I hadnt even heard of him one wet november afernoon in 1985 v Swinton in Lancs Cup.

A friend of mine persuaded me to go ,it was the best advice he ever gave me .

I was hooked in minutes and still follow them keenly to this day,just wish Les Boyd was still playing for us though-what a player!!!

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Sir Les Boyd was without doubt the hardest maddest toughest etc etc.

When he kicked off with opponents (particularly enjoyed seeing him give Kurt Sorrenson a slap) other players around him would eagerly roll their sleeves up, especially Paul 'Killer' Cullen.

Wire mid 80's

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Remember watching a Wire v the pies game at Wilderspool, Wire were attacking the railway end, it was the fifth tackle and the ball was dinked over the top and came to a rest in the in-goal area.

A certain Shaun Edwards retrieved the ball and looked up, ready to run the ball back in to the field of play, only to be faced with the sight of Sir Les Boyd and Kevin Tamati in full flight, ready to put him in to the stand at the railway end.

I think he must have "filled his shorts", as his next move was to throw the ball over his head dead in goal, rather than face taking the tackle from these two giants of the game.

Sir Les has given me some of my fondest memories of the game, memories that i will never forget!

"CHEERS LES"! "TAKE CARE"!

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I witnessed Les Boyd as his damaging best.

Les running like a freight train out wide or demoloshing Darryl Brohman in State of Origin.

Whatever he did, it was alway 100% skill or 100% brutal.

Which ever you liked, you always loved to watch Les Boyd play football!

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wire v wigan...at wilderspool and i was sat in the little section under the nightclub...come kick off and henderson gill was on the wing next to us ...waiting to chase the wigan kick off,...and lo and behold who was opposite him...where the wire winger should have been...sir les....smiling ...laughing..shouting...and pointing at gill.

something along the lines of " you aint gonna run past me mate "...

remember it like it was yesterday

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Without exception, for every Warrington fan who watched the team in the 80's, Sir Les was THE hero of the terraces.

The saying that one man doesn't make a team is not completely true.

Sir Les instilled a belief and confidence in those around him that could turn an average player into a great player.

May I propose the Warrington pack of;
Boyd
Tamati
Jackson
Rathbone
Roberts
Mike Gregory
as the hardest pack ever.

The only other player I have seen do this in Primrose and Blue was Jonathan Davies.

Not a hard man, but a genius of another variety.

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Back in the 80s i played for Dewsbury and Hunslet in the UK,it was then when i crossed swords with Les,i my self was a Frontrower, there was one particular match that was played at Wilderspool.

i was playing for my home town team Dewsbury, we had just been promoted to the top division, at the time Warrington were riding high in the league and they had a quality team and an awesome pack of forwards.

There front row was Boyd, Tamati, and jackson, with Rathbone Gregory in there aswell.

But the highlight of the game was me and Boyd at one another for 80mins, we belted the crap out each other for 80 mins until mr Allatt the ref sent us to the sin bin for the last 10 mins of the game.

We became friends after that game out of respect for each other.

We played against each other a few more occasions but things were still as fierce.

Les was a Aussie legend at the time and i was we call just a straight up and downer, but i think i left my mark on les.

I tried to catch up with him over here in the UK recently but missed him.

My lasting image of him was him flying out of the line to take my head off.

People say that he was a dirty player. My take on it is he was a tough hard no nonsense player who would give it and take it.

The Aussies dont have an enforcer like les any more and it a dam good job.

All the best Keith.

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Souths vs Wests at Lidcombe Oval in 1976

I remember going to the match with several schoolmates. It was a Sunday, and the crowd was so big that we spilled onto the cycle track inside the fence before first grade started.

I remember it was just a hard match. Wests absolutely hammered Souths in the first half. The game never seemed to be more than 30 metres from Souths line but they hung in. Wests had John Donnelly, Les Boyd and Geoff Foster and with Tommy Radonikus and John Dorahy were a formidable side - just watching them! I remember Bernie Lowther took an intercept and ran the length of the field to score. Souths seemed doomed simply by the weight of defence they had to produce but they just always got someone to the next tackle. It was the game that George Piggins scored a memorable try in the 2nd half, driving through the middle of the ruck to score by the posts. I remember the atmosphere and noise was amazing. I have supported Balmain all my life but I simply remember this game as being one that was the most memorable I ever saw live.

Best Regards with the site

Dean Gibson

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I played pro in england in the mid 80s for Salford making my full debut against my home town club Warrington, who were known as the Zoo in that era. At fullback was a brian johnson who was also making his debut for Warrington - but with alot more experience than i.

The Warrington front roy that day would have put fear into any international team. it read Boyd, Tomati, and Jackson(Bob)who I later went on to play with at Warrington.

I recall Alan rathbone being at loose forward on that day also. A little geneous called Andy Gregory was at no 7. Thankfully for us that day Boydy went off early with adead leg - aresult of a mistimed tackle from Roby Mullerwho caught Les on the thigh with his head of all things.

This game of ours isnt all about braun as we know as the star of the day was at 6. on his day this guy was the best in the world and so he proved as he ran in 4 tries that day on 6th Oct 1986. Phil Blake was mercurial that day. In my eyes he was the master of the chip and chase.

Later on in my "career", Brian Johnson went on to be my coach at Warrington. Brian's feelings on the chip and chase were, "Only try it if you knew it was gonna come off!!" We tried a few!

I played with some great Aussie guys over her in England, Mark Wakefield - is he still in Marwillumbah? Brian Battese- one hell of a worker!! the late Geoff Selby - a brilliant future lay ahead for this talented young guy tragically killed in a car accident in 1989. Neil Baker played with Neil in that Warrington game. Watched in awe as he drew a Leeds defence - chipped and regathered on the full and then drew the fullback and cipped and caught on the full and went under the posts. genious!

Greg Mackey- still holds the record for most consecutive matches for Warrington. kept me from making a full debut for Warrington. What he did was tackle well above his weight. A clever player, learned alot from him.

Well it was nice to share some of my favourite moments in my modest career. I have an aweful lot of precious moments from the best game in the world.

Thanks to all those who helped me make em.

Steve Griffiths
ex Salford and Warrington RL

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Quigs this website just gets better mate.

Les Boyd, what can I say?

All I can add is that after the battle of wilderspool in 1988, I remarked to my Dad that I wanted to be like Les Boyd and that was how I was going to play RL.

"Oh yes" he replied "we'll see"........

Five years later I had packed in playing, having decided open age rugby wasnt for me (and my good looks).

Cheers Sir Les Boyd.

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warrington versus widnes the only man to chin kurt
sorensen while lying on the deck with kurt stood over him was les
boyd.i dont think kurt fancied it after his nose exploded

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Punters Comments: Les Boyd was very hard, and a little mad on the field I think. I cannot agree with any admiration for his attack on Daryl Brohman though. Boyd intentionally attacked the head of another player with his raised elbow, with no intention other to hurt. That is not hard, that is cowardly and gutless.

Boyd was hard as a rock, but that night, he lost any respect that I had for him, in my opinion.

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such a fan of the great Les Boyd, or "god" as we refer to him in Warrington, I named my first born son after him, he is six years old and ver proud of his name....Boyd Smith, he is a pashionate Wire fan like his father and Got to meet Les on his first birthday on the pitch at wilderspool when Mr Boyd was over in England promoting an upcoming tour!

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When i was but a young Pome i toured Aus for 12mth. Whilst there i was lucky enought to land a job workin for Tooheys Brewry. Boyed also worked as a company rep out in the country somewhere.

I spoke to him once on the phone and to my suprise found out he was comin into the Brewry HQ the next week for a corse. I offered him a beer and the chance off a chat.

I was so lucky he took me up. Me and Boyedy had a grate chat for a long time and shard a few jars of the good stuff. He told me some grate old storys about the past and his days in England. He would stop talkin about him and big Jim at Widnes goin for it. HE told me he was the hardest man he ever played against.

When he left he gave me a playfull slap on the back and a cheerio. That was 2 years ago and i still have a hand print on my back. Hurt like a bitch.

Top bloke and a great player!

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Les Boyd was the hardest, toughest and maddest player I have ever seen. He was also one of the most talented and skilful forwards I have seen.

The weird thing is that he is such a nice bloke and softly spoken.

The baby faced assassin get's my vote and if Tommy Raudonikis was in the attached lists he'd get 2nd.

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Toughest player i have ever watched a bit mad and misguided at times maybe but just sheer tough.

I saw the other side of him on the 1982 tour when he took St Helens apart almost single handedly
playing some great rugby.

The ultimate player in my humble opinion,hard as a brick and clever when he put his mind to it.We still call him Sir Les in Warrington.

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Just readint through some stories on the great man and wanted to share my first memory of seeing the finest prop forward ever in his first Warrington game.

I would only have been 12 years old, but Les' first game came after his infamous 15 month ban for gouging!

Kick off, fist tackle that Sir Les went in for and someone shouted from the touchline -

"ONLY TAKE ONE EYE LES"

What a player!

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In 1981 I was 10 years old and already a dyed in the wool Manly fan after my favourites Dorahy Boyd & Brown switched from Wests a year earlier (hey! I was nine okay! And Dorahy was our local butcher) I remember thinking afterwards that if the match went another 10 minutes we would've got Newtown coz it ended up 20-15 and we were on our way back. Two weeks later I cheered Newtown on against Parra but it wasn't to be. Those guys in that Newtown team are the hardest of hard - Bowden, Jensen, Raudonikis, O'Grady and one that is almost forgotten - Mick Pitman. Last year I cheered Newtown on in Premier League against Parra all over again. No shame in losing to this mob back in 1981.

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les boyd was to harshly dealt with by the judiciary over the brohman incident back in the greatest era in league history there was worse than what les did going on weekly and at club level if it was that bad why wasnt he sent off he was too tough in the toughest game there is and they didnt want him to play anymore cos nobody wanted to play against him

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In 78 we would have won that series but for the half back combo of Tom R and Bobby Fulton. Fulton was the finest captain of a touring team that I've seen and he lead from the front. Most of the players were young and inexperienced and making their first Tours, but players like Rod Reddy and Craig Young came up trumps. It was also the best test debut I have seen in the decider at Headingley. Les Boyd tortured us for an hour and came off injured, but by then the game and the series were run.

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Les Boyd. Having read all the stories of Les I couldn't add anything myself although I do recall most of those by others.

My story comes from a mate of mine who was playing against Warrington for St Helens. Many of you will remember Harry Pinner from his Saints days and he went on to play for Great Britain, Widnes and (he'll kill me for this one) Carlisle. He was also assistant coach to John Monie at wigan.

Well this is his story of Les Boyd. Don't know the date but it was a sunday afternoon at Knowsley Road, St Helens, and Les is driving the ball forward and is tackled by two saints players but refuses to go down and is trying to offload.

Saints hooker Graham Liptrot comes in third man and completes the tackle knocking Boyd to the ground on his back. Not content with that Lippy decides to let boyd have one, a forearm accross the nose that is.

Harry as saints captain quickly pulls Lippy off the tackle and begins to tell him what an idiot he is and how Boyd would kill him.

Lippy unconcerned tells Harry "don't worry I'm going off, I've just seen my number held up on the touch line". Harry looked over and sure enough the number 9 is held up and Lippy duly trots toward the touch.

As the trainer spots Lippy coming over he looks at the number held aloft and immediately turns it over to bring the five eigth (stand off) off.

Lippy somewhat pale by now returns to the fray, dreading the next scrum. The next scum comes and there's no way Lippy is getting in that front row with Boyd. He asks Harry to pack at hooker which he declined saying he was dreading going in at Lock (loose foward). No one else would swap so Lippy went in. I don't need to finish the story you can all guess what happened, but it involved a stretcher.

Harry asked me to put this on for him hope you enjoy it.

If you want to include Harry on your where are they now he runs a pub in Grappenhall Village, near Warrington called the Parr Arms.

From Quigs - great memories Paul - thank Harry for me.. he must have some more he'd love to share too.. cheers

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