I expect this thread to generate a host of nostalgic and rose-tinted reminisces with regards to past icons.

For me, though, Chase has been nothing short of astonishing.

Whilst my age prevents me from comparing him with the likes of Reilly and Hardisty et al, I can honestly state that I would not wish to exchange him for any player world-wide (who could guarantee that if a Tomkins or Thurston were to put on a Tigers shirt they'd single-handedly win us so many games).

Not to mention those countless moments of sheer magic he regularly conjures out of nothing which the rest of the world's players seem incapable of.

Will be gut-wrenching to see him play elsewhere, but can't help feeling blessed with the great memories he leaves behind.

I always loved watching Cas when you had the best overseas contingent in the league of Nikau Blackmore and Kemp. Tony Kemp was class and tough as old boots.

100 percent agree with this post, couldn't have put it better !!!

Here's a bit of Arthus Atkinson magic from 1935 from today's Mirror.co.uk :- www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-lea ... al-2199922 How the game and the style of jeornalism has changed in 80 years is astonishing.

Here's a bit of Arthus Atkinson magic from 1935 from today's Mirror.co.uk :- www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-lea ... al-2199922 How the game and the style of jeornalism has changed in 80 years is astonishing.

Hardisty would be my choice, probably not fair to compere him with chase as the game has changed since hardisty last played.
It's remarkable how many top players cas has produced over the years, my number one stand out player would be mal Reilly . I was fortunate to see him at his best, also I know plenty of people who saw him in Australia , he was just as good if not better over there.

I remember Leeds bidding 10k for Hardisty I think it was before the emergence of the Roy Francis era got going

I think that the game has changed, so it is difficult to compare players like Hardisty and Chase. One big factor is that we now play 'summer' rugby, which does make the game faster, whereas Hardisty played on softer muddier pitches.
Another factor is the general fitness. In the 60's and 70's players were part time, so didnt have the time current players have to use the gym (if they had one) and trained maybe 3 times a week, usually in the evenings, in the dark, not like current players who are full time so can train everyday.
All in all, my gut feeling is that if Hardisty had been playing in today's conditions he would have been an even better player than he was - and even better than Chase!!!!

I agree, not just the mud but the old leather ball & boots what soaked up all the water feeling like you had waits on your feet rather than the slippers they ware today.

Millward for me was a great player , and was good to the lad when was playing for Halifax , but Steadman was a joy to watch , always enjoyed watching "cas" play , good honest family club .

Wehen you used to play us (Hull FC) I used to love watching your kiwi's, particuarly Kemp, he was a fantastic player.

Derek Edwards

Good call.

Started as a Stand Off but really blossomed as a Full Back.
Didn't he play for GB as a Full Back?

Bruce Burton made absolute monkeys out of Leeds a season or two after I started supporting them. From memory, I think he virtually single-handedly sunk us in the yorks cup, floodlit trophy and possibly the JPS as well.