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.

We were already contenders; the addition of Newy helped turn us into the undisputed champions

Much, much more than anything else he achieved on the field for us, Newlove's signing completely changed the mindset of the club and of the fans and sent a massive signal of intent to the rest of RL (and the Pies in particular) that we weren't second-rate also rans any more. It turned us from doom and gloom merchants to top dogs who were going to sweep all before us overnight. Very similar in impact to when City signed Robinho in fact for the youngsters who weren't around then. You can't overemphasise the importance of Newlove - he was the greatest signing the club ever made and would have remained so even if he'd never touched a ball for us. The last 15 glory years wouldn't have happened for us if Bradford hadn't sacked Fox.

I would argue that Shaun McRae was our greatest signing. If Eric Hughes had been at the helm we wouldn't have won in 1996. We'd have dropped points in all of those games where we snatched victory from defeat e.g. Wire away, London away and Castleford away. We'd probably have lost to the pies as well seeing as he never beat them in twelve attempts.

Aside from service to his winger (and kicking) name one other attribute that Loughlin possessed which approached or exceeded Newlove's?

That is the main attribute for a centre. He also had reasonable pace ( not electric but neither was Newlove ), Good vision and could time his pass. He could make breaks and his kicking at the time was very good. Newlove was more of a showy centre, in other words his sidestep and illusiveness stood out. Loughlin did his job with a minimum of fuss and his abilities were recognised by a succession of coaches at club and international level.

He has also got by far the better sense of humour.

He was taller I think...