Quote: Euclid "Wigan v Australia in Autumn 1967. Wigan won 12-6. Really close exciting game (in my recollection) with a gate of over 22,000 willing Wigan to victory. I was ten years old and took a bugle with me to encourage the lads. A large space cleared around me as I blew, and I was asked not to bring it again by the stewards. Still, this didn’t detract from what felt like a really big event to a small boy from Wigan.
Wigan v Australia, autumn 1982. Wigan didn’t win this but put up a good fight in the last game I saw before I moved to London. But the thing I recall most is that the Aussies seemed like supermen. I remember (I think it was) Ray Price taking the ball up from receiving the kick off and being almost impossible to tackle. I knew we were in trouble. They were from a different planet it seemed. Their skills and fitness levels were a million miles from ours, and British rugby league has not only never caught up, but is now falling further behind.
But it was still a great night to be a Wiganer, and be at an event that has become extinct.'"
This game also came to my mind. I was on that night age 9. Little did I know that would be the last time Wigan would beat Australia. The atmosphere was amazing. The kop end seemed like a sea of cherry and white flags. I was hooked and I am still a season ticket holder!
The Manly game is also up there as one of the most memorable games at CP. What a night that was!