Quote: WYSIWYG2 "Shocked and saddened to hear of Des passing. A real superstar and a Leigh all time great. He was a diminutive player, but a black belt at judo and I remember him once tackling a prop forward. I don't know what Des did in the tackle but the prop forward had canaries tweeting around his head. RIP DES a true Leyther.'"
To the best of Bongser's memory, WYSIWYG, when tackling the big guys he would aim for a full, high wrap whilst ramming his "fod" into the unfortunate's ribs (hoping for solar plexus?).
Some people will also recall his time on "Superstars" on the BBC, especially his prowess at weightlifting. Can't recall if it was Pickering or Coleman that said something to the tune of, "If he can lift that weight above his head, it's no wonder he can take out prop forwards." (RL was still on the Beeb in those days, so everyone knew who Des was - leave that subject alone for now).
Also recall him blitzing all comers in the 100m at the old Madeley Park (might even have still been plain Leigh Harriers at that point) and Bongser will always maintain that he was defo faster than Henderson Gill (as proven at the old Central Park to Bongser's glee). Never saw him face Chariots - different era.
Only shared a drink with him a coupla times but went away even fonder.
RIP