Matt Newsum, BBC rugby league commentator
It is testament to the star power of Sir Billy Boston that even 56 years after he last graced a rugby pitch, young fans are fully aware of the legend that is the Welshman from Cardiff’s Tiger Bay.
He had a uniquely unifying effect on a normally partisan and tribal rugby league community. Revered naturally in Wigan, his adopted home, but you won’t hear a boo or jeer at mention of Boston anywhere – not even at sworn rivals St Helens where they appreciate a good footballer when they see one.
The sepia footage and slow shutter-speeds of the cameras that captured the magic of his playing days simply cannot dull his brilliance; whether it’s bustling over for another try in cherry and white hoops at Wembley or crushing the Aussies at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Boston is a blur of speed, footwork and power.
Wing or centre, a wonderful finisher and a player whose innate talents were honed on those tough streets of his district – one that also produced fellow pioneers Roy Francis and Colin Dixon.
Many a fan will have drunk at the pub which provided some of his post-playing focus, the Griffin Hotel, close to the Central Park ground he scored so many of his 571 tries on – the best strike rate of any British player.
Still a regular visitor to Wigan games right up to his passing, it was always a beautiful moment when the cameras found him, the crowd spotting him on the screen bursting into cheer, and the realisation creeping over his face in the shape of a smile.
It will take some getting used to, the empty seat at the Brick. He will be missed but certainly not forgotten.
More to follow.
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