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Biography
Leslie "Les" Tonks (birth registered April→June 1942 in Pontefract district) is an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s, and 1970s, playing at club level for Featherstone Rovers (Heritage № 423), Hull Kingston Rovers, and Wakefield Trinity (Heritage № 804), as a prop, i.e. number 8 or 10, during the era of contested scrums.
Playing career
Tonks made his début for the Featherstone Rovers on Saturday 9 September 1961.
Challenge Cup Final appearances
Tonks played left-prop, i.e. number 8, in Featherstone's 17-12 victory over Barrow in the 1967 Challenge Cup Final during the 1966–67 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 13 May 1967, in front of a crowd of 76,290. He also played left-prop in the 33-14 victory over Bradford Northern in the 1973 Challenge Cup Final during the 1972–73 season at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 12 May 1973, in front of a crowd of 72,395, and played left-prop in the 9-24 defeat by Warrington in the 1974 Challenge Cup Final during the 1973–74 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 11 May 1974, in front of a crowd of 77,400.
County Cup Final appearances
Tonks played left-prop in Featherstone's 9-12 defeat by Hull F.C. in the 1969 Yorkshire Cup Final during the 1969–70 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 20 September 1969.
Hull KR
Tonks spent the 1970/71 season on loan to Hull Kingston Rovers, playing in two matches.
Testimonial match
Tonks' benefit season and testimonial match at the Featherstone Rovers took place during the 1972–73 season.
In September 1974, Tonks followed coach Peter Fox and joined Wakefield Trinity. He retired after the 1975/76 season.
Honoured at Featherstone Rovers
Tonks is a Featherstone Rovers' Hall of Fame inductee.
Genealogical information
Tonks' marriage to Brenda (née Noble) was registered during October→December 1963 in Pontefract district. They had children; Alan Tonks (birth registered during July→September 1966 (age 50–51) in Wakefield district), and Kay Lesley Tonks (birth registered during January→March 1973 (age 43–44) in Pontefract district).