I didn't know that but it's no surprise. The question you have to ask there is had they joined Trinity as it was then would they have become the players they were? Maybe but maybe not.

Both went to top clubs at the time so I suppose the chances of them joining us as kids were remote if that was the competition. More importantly, they started at the two most professional clubs of that era, a big plus for a players development.

I suppose it works both ways, nobody was interested in Gareth Ellis, not even us really. He wasn't there to make the numbers up but he wasn't expected to do much either. Would he have got a look in at Bradford or Wigan at the time?

It just makes the point of this thread, it's so hard to spot a top player at that age, a talented one yes but one with the drive to go all the way, still tricky even today.

I suppose the crux of my question is, where these players as talented as we thought or has the club had an innate ability for the last 40+ years to ruin talented players?

Bruce Burton . Mate of mine in late 60s, early 70s . My Dad who had been involved in school boy RL for years recommended Bruce to Trinity . They took no notice and he went to Halifax and then on to Cas. Took us apart many a time.

Trinity 1983-1986 then his name appears at Cas 1992-1994 so the years inbetween not sure what happened! Might not even be him but 95% it is, decent player at the time and came through our colts.

Think it was the Peter Tunks & Mitch Brennan era. I thought Corcoran & Kelso were particularly bad & when I saw the amount of bandage holding Copesake together, I knew we weren’t going to get anywhere with that mob. Shame as Brennan could certainly talk the talk before we got going!

Think Beechcraft hung around a while and was handy at that level, think he stayed in Wakey and ran a pub?

Nable was the odd one out, he had some genuine pedigree, went on to play 60 games for Balmain but I don't recall him doing anything for us. Probably gave him a wake up call.

Corcoran was a South fringe player, 20 games in total and was crap.

Kelos was a better player but riddled with injuries as were most Tunks signings. Kelso played for Australia as. a 19-year-old believe it or not! It was against France but who'd have thought.

Copestake I think really wanted to give it a go but he was wrecked. Came from the NZ Bartercard comp as far as I can tell.

Can't find anything on Beechcraft but I think he was another South nobody, they don't half produce a lot of those kinds of players.

Also don't know how I forgot this one, the legendary Ron Troutman. He was a trier I'll give him that but he was park level at best. I almost gave up watching Trinity when he played, easily my lowest point and we have had a fair few. It was around about the same time we drew a record-low attendance for a league game. It was against York, about 700 I recall, it was so bad I actually thought the game had been cancelled as I walked up to the ground.

Interesting days.

I agree on the Adam Nable point. He was no mug. Probably playing with people far below his level.

I guess the only thing to say, and to quote Rascal Flatts.... God Bless The Broken Road.
All these players played a part to get us to where we are now. They weren't all world beaters but they got us through.

]

Haha I forgot about Ronnie. Yep I remember that York game, I recall walking out saying that this time I was finished for good with Trin, but the following year was the promotion season! "

Haha I forgot about Ronnie. Yep I remember that York game, I recall walking out saying that this time I was finished for good with Trin, but the following year was the promotion season!

Dennis Beecraft played 32 games for Eastern Suburbs (now the Roosters) and eight for South Sydney. Ran the Woolpack in Horbury for a while.

I get that point but in this case, was there any reason to bring them halfway around the world. I'm not obsessed like the 'local lads' brigade, players from all over can be Trinity stars, However not one of those mentioned with the exception of Nable couldn't have been sourced with 20 miles of BV.

Sounds right, as I say he was handy and one of the better imports from that era but he was still proof positive that previous reputation doesn't always travel.

Peter Tunks? I always thought Richard Goddard would go on to greater things.

Had it all but lacked the ambition I suspect, James Mosely was another at the same time who achieved even less.

James Mosely had lot's of potential, not sure why it didn't work out for him?

My mate used to call it 'playing against the misters', meaning looking great at age level Rugby is not the same as playing grown men with years of experience. Some just can't step up, I think both these players fall into that category. Doesn't make them bad players, just makes the players who can't do it week in week out for money with a crowd on their back. Just like some people have far better voices than most pop stars but can't stand up in front of thousands and sing.

A bit younger, but Tom Johnstone was overlooked by a few clubs but Wakey took a punt and the rest is history there but I struggle to name more, hope the future is better for recruiting. Back on track, I thought Dale Morton was a better player than what people thought at the time.