Was it 4 for Sullivan on Newy's debut against Workington?
What a day. I remember Joynty with his arm round Newy, presenting him to the popular side as Sully was racing away for one of them.

Newlove was a brilliant player. He pretty much won that league for us in 96. I don't think Sullivan saw as much of the ball as some might think though as Newlove was good enough to go all the way himself and often opted to do so.

Loughlin was excellent too, however ball in hand he was not in the same league as Newlove IMO. Loughlin was an excellent kicker though so they both contributed greatly in their time.

Gleeson was pretty good too, however none of these players were as good as Lyon. What an incredible player.

Anyway, Meninga's coming back soon, just you watch!

Maybe I'm just an old fogey wearing rose tinted specs when looking at the past then.

Well I did not mean to derail this thread so I'm moving it.

I used to try and be lockers when I was kid.

I bet every winger in the game would love to play outside him.

Loughlin was pure class,in a time when the game was part time as well.In his prime he was as good as Newlove,not as fast i will grant you,but was an exellent wingers centre more in the Gidley mold then the Newlove one.

Newlove offered more of a running threat,he could get outside his man and the had pace to get clear.

I think what makes Newlove look superior is the team he came into and the full time enviroment,thats not to say he wasnt world class,just he had more of an advantage over Lockers.

I would recommend anyone to try to dig out videos of the 1988 tour matches against Australia.

Loughlin was only 21 years old when he went on that tour and ended up being awarded the player of the series.

That remember is the same age as Tommy Makinson, Lomax, & Foster are now, to put things in perspective.

He always showed up well for great Britain and also filled in at fullback at times.

He scored a top interception try against the Aussies at Wembley after coming on as sub but wouldbt take the goal kick.

1988 JPS final - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tyng0mmuxlo Lockers outstanding. Saints props that day were Tony Burke and Peter Souto (oh dear!). Andy Platt also in our rabks that day (pre-'roids, of course). Remember it well - my first winning final, running on the pitch at the end, about a thousand (so it seemed) Leeds thugs charging the Saints fans at the end who were on the pitch celebrating.

1988 JPS final - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tyng0mmuxlo Lockers outstanding. Saints props that day were Tony Burke and Peter Souto (oh dear!). Andy Platt also in our rabks that day (pre-'roids, of course). Remember it well - my first winning final, running on the pitch at the end, about a thousand (so it seemed) Leeds thugs charging the Saints fans at the end who were on the pitch celebrating.

God that video brings back memories. I was also in the middle of the crowd on the pitch.

As that last Youtube vid got such a big reaction.... here's one with Alan Hunte showing a bit of mongrel (and Sonny Nickle doing what he did best) www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj57GvEj ... re=related

As that last Youtube vid got such a big reaction.... here's one with Alan Hunte showing a bit of mongrel (and Sonny Nickle doing what he did best) www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj57GvEj ... re=related

Its probably unfair to compare the two as there's perhaps a decade between them in their pomp and the game was (and is) a slowly changing. I'd agree Newlove would appear to be a more skilful or talented player, but Loughlin spent a lot of time in an average team, rather than one that was often rampaging over and through the opposition. Liked them both and pleased they played their best at saints.

Got a mate who has a connection with Bradford and it's his (and other's) belief that the transfer deal was a big part in "Northern's" ensuing success (along with some newly blossoming forwards). All three players were still quality at the time and gave excellent service to Bradford, bringing experience and expertise, improving the playing quality which in turn helped attract other players.

I know Dwyer became a big fan's favourite as he led by example and showed what could be achieved with hard work allied to a little guile.

It's one of the few transfer situations where both clubs gained huge benefit from the deal. Bradford needed to bolster their squad with experience and ability, and we needed an injection of sheer class and match winning ability to turn us into contenders.