Saints have invited Tom Van Vollenhoven and his wife over for Saturdays match, Tom will present the Saints players with their shirts at a private ceremony on Friday.
It would be nice if Wigan could do something on similar lines by involving Billy and if the two great wingers could lead the teams out prior to kick off it would be the icing on the cake.

Not a bad idea - especially as we were Northern League champions 80 years ago. I think it'd be a nice birthday present.

Didn't they lead the teams out for the Superleague game at Central Park in 1996?

Copying Stains seems like a sure fire way to success.

This thread was created with the idea that fans of both Saints and Wigan can comment on the prospect of seeing two former greats of Rugby League take to the field to receive the acclaim of BOTH sets of fans.
All I can say Suzy, what a bigoted, attention seeking reply you have come up with, any intense rivalry that exists between the clubs will be put to one side if Tom and Billy walk out side by side.

Suzy I know you will come up with a reply that shows your usual sarcasm and what you think is a barbed reply.
It will not get a reply.

With regards to Billy, there's a nice little piece here: www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... r-had.html

With regards to Billy, there's a nice little piece here: www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... r-had.html

I think that the two coaches have earned the right to lead their respective teams onto the field. I don't much care for this type of gimmick. It's important to concentrate on the present - winning the game - not the past.

We have legends day during the season when all the old boys are paraded and Billy also has a stand named after him - isn't that enough?

You might as well ask "how many pies is too many"
It would be a gimmick, but only the basest curmudgeon would complain.

I fully agree, the coaches have earned the right and anything other than that would be a kick in the teeth for the coaches, plus I believe the players would prefer their coach to lead them out, followed by the captain.

Having said that, it seems a pity that we have arguably the best 2 players ever to play for their respective clubs, biggest legends in my lifetime for sure. It would be brilliant for both sets of fans to see them on the pitch together, for what may or may not be the last time these 2 legends are in the same stadium.
What about bringing out the match ball and kicking tee? They can toss up for who has which.

You completely ruined what was a sensible post in the main by adding that last bit. "isn't that enough" ....No it isn't, that's why Billy is invited to umpteen functions as the guest of honour, and theres the small matter of a statue.

Good points, well made. I was being a bit flippant (accused of being a curmudgeon and flippancy in the same thread!) I suppose.

As for the statue, I'm not sure. We have a host of great players from Jim Sullivan to Sean Edwards who may be deserving. Perhaps a commission for a local sculpture to include them all?

Touchy, aren't you?

In 2010 I believe Offiah gave a speech or recorded a speech along with some other "legends" of the fairly recent past. I feel the Shaun Edwards/Offiahs/Farrells etc. are a lot more relevant to our players of today. Some of our homegrown players will have grown up watching them, aspiring to be them and some of our non-homegrown will recognise them from test sides etc.

I'll guarantee Pettybourne, Bowen and our Welsh and London contingent had little to no understanding of who Billy Boston is or was before it was explained to them.

I wouldn't be so sure about that - don't forget he was quite a high profile steal from Welsh Union at the time & went on to play for GB with more than a little success.
We may claim him, but he has put it about quite a bit (in the nicest possible way of course )

two great players; which one was the better player I cant say; its nice for old timers like myself to remember such greats also a good talking point comparing wingers present and past. Yes the game has changed dramatically.

Voll was a great winger, as was Brian Bevan, but Boston was a better rugby player.