Hi,
Jack Bowen's son is a regular poster on the wiganworld website. He knows a lot about former players from Wales.

I don't think any book on Welsh born Wigan players would be complete without some reference to Jim Sullivan.

I had the pleasure of meeting his wife in the mid 70's for an interview as Jim was too ill to attend.

I cannot remember exact details but recall some excellent tales when he first moved to Wigan, tours to Australia where there were "goal kicking competitions" where Sullivan was supreme and in particular I remember anecdotes about Alex Murphy and Jim's relationship with him when he coached St Helens.
I'm sure some of the tales were embellished but what a guy and what a career.

Until Wigan signed Sullivan we were a middle of the road team with I think just one Challenge Cup victory and when he retired from playing (he played over 800 games for the club) we were undoubtedly the team in RL. Until he coached Saints they had never won a Challenge Cup with their first victory in 1956.

I'm not sure if Jim has any living decendents in Wigan (he lived in Orrell) but it may be worthwhile contacting Alex Murphy who regards "Sully" as the greatest ever RL coach and I'm sure he could fill a book on Jim Sullivan alone.

Good luck in your production of the book and when available please drop a line on the forum so that I and hopefully many more will go ahead and purchase it.

I've stated a few times over the years my owd feller rarely raved over players or coaches so if he gave gushing praise to anyone I always listened.

I don't recall him mentioning Francis for his playing capabilities but he always stated that Francis was the best ever coach after Jim Sullivan (everyone came after Sullivan) and in his words the first real professional coach. I believe that he was also a total gent .

couldn't fault his effort....

Thank you, i agree it wouldnt be right to have this book without a lot of mention to Jim Sullivan, who i think is one of the most important figures in rugby league history both as a player and a coach. His records bear testimony to that and his points for Wigan and appearances will never be broken. I will try and contact Alex Murphy (didnt think he could have helped in this regard). Thank you for the kind words and i'll be sure to mention it on here when the book is ready. Won't be until 2023 at the moment as it is in very early stages

I can't believe that no-one has mentioned Johnny Ring. His try scoring record was only beaten at Wigan, by fellow welshman Billy Boston. In the 1920's, he scored 62 tries in one season. Ring was one of my Dads favourite players. Johnny Ring scored 368 tries for Wigan . Apparently, he could shift a bit on the wing .