Chris Hesketh

Chris Hesketh MBE (birth registered October→December 1944 (age 72–73)) birth registered in Wigan, is an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1960s and '70s, playing at representative level for Great Britain, England, and Lancashire representative Centre, and at club level for Wigan and Salford, as a Centre, or Stand-off/Five-eighth, i.e. number 3 or 4, or 6.

International honours

Chris Hesketh won caps for England while at Salford in 1968 against Wales, in 1969 against Wales, and France, and won caps for Great Britain while at Salford in 1970 against New Zealand, in the 1970 Rugby League World Cup against France (sub), New Zealand (1-try), and Australia (sub), in 1971 against France, France (sub), and New Zealand (3 matches), in the 1972 Rugby League World Cup against Australia, France, New Zealand (1-try), and Australia, in 1973 against Australia (3 matches), and in 1974 against France (2 matches), Australia (3 matches), and New Zealand (3 matches).

Rugby League Career

Hesketh started his career at Wigan in 1962, playing alongside the likes of Billy Boston and Eric Ashton, following the rule change to allow of substitutions, along with Laurie Gilfedder he jointly became Wigan's first substitute on Saturday 14 November 1964, he moved to Salford in 1967, with whom he remained until retiring in 1979. Hesketh worked his entire life as a salesman before retiring in 2006. He still lives in Lancashire and occasionally goes along to Salford to watch his former team in action.

The story of Rugby League great Chris Hesketh is a heart-warming one, his sporting life being one of triumph over adversity, reaching its pinnacle as the first Wigan-born captain of a British Lions Rugby League touring team when leading the party that flew to Australia and New Zealand in 1974. That honour, and many more, was achieved after overcoming polio as a child and the shattering experience of being discarded by his first professional club, Wigan, who he had followed since being a youngster. His transfer to Salford sparked a new beginning as an integral part of a team that reached the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley and twice won the Rugby League Championship in the 1970s. A classy centre and dominating presence on the rugby field, he was destined to become skipper of a Red Devils outfit littered with star names such as Paul Charlton, Colin Dixon, Keith Fielding and David Watkins. A tourist twice, he also took part in two World Cup tournaments, including the 1972 triumph in France. His renaissance received official recognition through the awarding of the MBE in 1976 for his services to Rugby League. In this book, Chris, and co-author Graham Morris provide the reader with a fascinating account of his trials and tribulations as a professional sportsman as he rose to the top in the toughest of all team sports, including many inside stories and humorous anecdotes. Its pages reveal the life and times of a player who proved himself as a true Captain Courageous, offering an essential read for all lovers of sport and Rugby League in particular.

County Cup final appearances

Chris Hesketh played Centre, i.e. number 4, in Salford's 25-11 victory over Swinton in the 1972 Lancashire Cup final during the 1972–73 season at Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington on Saturday 21 October 1972, played Centre, i.e. number 4, in the 9-19 defeat by Wigan in the 1973 Lancashire Cup final during the 1973–74 season at Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington on Saturday 13 October 1973, and played Centre, i.e. number 4, in the 7-16 defeat by Widnes in the 1975 Lancashire Cup final during the 1975–76 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 4 October 1975.

BBC2 Floodlit Trophy final appearances

Chris Hesketh played Centre, i.e. number 3, in Salford's 0-0 draw with Warrington in the 1974 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy final during the 1974–75 season at The Willows, Salford on Tuesday 17 December 1974, and played Centre, i.e. number 3, in the 10-5 victory over Warrington in the 1974 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy final replay during the 1974–75 season at Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington on Tuesday 28 January 1975.

Player's No.6 Trophy final appearances

Chris Hesketh played Centre, i.e. number 4, in Salford's 7-12 defeat by Leeds in the 1972-73 Player's No.6 Trophy final during the 1972–73 season at Fartown Ground, Huddersfield on Saturday 24 March 1973.

Testimonial match

Chris Hesketh's Testimonial match at Salford took place in 1977.