Past Players Dinner a success for 2024!

This year, our annual Past Players Dinner was once again a success, with three new members entering the Hall of Fame!

Our Past Players Association each year holds an annual dinner to induct ex-players into the Hall of Fame, celebrate the success of the Saints over the years, along with some of our past players telling some great tales and stories from over the years!

The first inductee of the day to the Hall of Fame was Saint Number #338, Billy Mercer. Mercer played for the Saints for 12 years, debuting on 26/09/1925 against Batley. Billy made 311 appearances with the club, scoring 75 tries along the way. Billy was a local product with great hands and deceptive turn of speed, and was described as a joy to watch during his time with the Saints. After retiring from playing in 1937, Billy stayed with the club for many years to come, working with the ‘A-Team’ as a trainer/coach, and as a club scout before leaving in 1963. Billy was made a life member for his services to the club in 1963, before he passed way in 1965.

In honour of Billy, Billy’s daughter Helen Young and Grandson Shon joined us on Sunday to receive his plaque!

Next to enter the Hall of Fame was Saint Number #933 Steve Peters. Recognised as one of the greatest ever utility players to don the Saints jersey, Steve represented the Saints on 186 occasions, debuting back in 1979 for the Saints. A jack of all trades, Steve crossed over for the Saints 43 times, and found himself mainly at centre and halfback, but was comfortable any where across the backline. Ste won a Lancashire Cup winner’s medal against Wigan in 1984 and a Premiership winner’s medal against Hull KR in 1985 and also picked up a Lancashire Cup runner’s up medal against Warrington in 1982.

Ste was presented his plaque by James Roby, who Ste coached when James was playing at Blackbrook!

The final inductee into the Hall of Fame was a special one, as Saint #1002 Shane Cooper was over from overseas. The Kiwi Saint joined the club in 1987, debuting against Leigh on 18/10/1987. Across his time with the club, ‘Super Cooper’ as he was known with supporters, played for the club 271 times, scoring 76 tries and slotting over 6 drop goals. Shane captained the team to the 1993 Premiership Final win over Wigan, and was a fan favourite and was a great character on the field, with Shane being one of the cheekiest chaps to saunter out of the tunnel at Knowsley Road.

Shane spent the day sat amongst his team mates from his time at the Saints, such as Alan Hunte, Paul Loughlin, Adam Fogerty and many more!

Adam Fogerty presented Shane with his plaque, rounding off a great day for all involved!

A fabulous day that was enjoyed by everyone who attended, with players from various eras in attendance as we celebrated the great history of our club!