Harris, end of story, sorry but whilst Jackson is an old school-mate and I loved watching him coming up through the ranks into being a GB rep and playing for Sydney & Newcastle and winning the GF he just didnt have the presence and overall impact that Harris had on the Hull or even GB team and considered a 'great' by many.
Even amongst that magical team of Bomber's era he was a stand out, developing the role of the hooker into what we recognise today whilst still being a crafty ball winner in the scrum a great tackler, tenacious and great at backing up breaks, he had it all. Going on to be the most capped GB hooker (if we forget the 'plastic tests' that Roby has played in) he has half as many again GB caps over a longer period than Jackson did AND won a World Cup plus 3 Ashes series, being on the winning side against Australia in 6 out of his 10 tests against them. I would classify Harris as GB's greatest ever hooker but that's my opinion.
Harris only started playing RL at the grand age of 22, was sensational in his trial match and quickly followed up by his debut the following month. With 443 matches, 56 tries and 2 championship winners medals he's one of Hull FC greatest ever players from home or abroad.
Jackson is deffo up there for inclusion in the short-list, he was fantastic for us, Swain, great work ethic, amazing tackler and leader, he probably just eclipses Jacko in overall contribution but Percival Thomas 'Bomber' Harris, is THE definitive hooker of any era, for me there is no doubt in the slightest and if there is any justice in voting on work ethic, skillset, contribution not only to the club but to the game internationally then Harris MUST be voted as our hooking option.
Harris, end of story, sorry but whilst Jackson is an old school-mate and I loved watching him coming up through the ranks into being a GB rep and playing for Sydney & Newcastle and winning the GF he just didnt have the presence and overall impact that Harris had on the Hull or even GB team and considered a 'great' by many.
Even amongst that magical team of Bomber's era he was a stand out, developing the role of the hooker into what we recognise today whilst still being a crafty ball winner in the scrum a great tackler, tenacious and great at backing up breaks, he had it all. Going on to be the most capped GB hooker (if we forget the 'plastic tests' that Roby has played in) he has half as many again GB caps over a longer period than Jackson did AND won a World Cup plus 3 Ashes series, being on the winning side against Australia in 6 out of his 10 tests against them. I would classify Harris as GB's greatest ever hooker but that's my opinion.
Harris only started playing RL at the grand age of 22, was sensational in his trial match and quickly followed up by his debut the following month. With 443 matches, 56 tries and 2 championship winners medals he's one of Hull FC greatest ever players from home or abroad.
Jackson is deffo up there for inclusion in the short-list, he was fantastic for us, Swain, great work ethic, amazing tackler and leader, he probably just eclipses Jacko in overall contribution but Percival Thomas 'Bomber' Harris, is THE definitive hooker of any era, for me there is no doubt in the slightest and if there is any justice in voting on work ethic, skillset, contribution not only to the club but to the game internationally then Harris MUST be voted as our hooking option.
Harris, end of story, sorry but whilst Jackson is an old school-mate and I loved watching him coming up through the ranks into being a GB rep and playing for Sydney & Newcastle and winning the GF he just didnt have the presence and overall impact that Harris had on the Hull or even GB team and considered a 'great' by many.
Even amongst that magical team of Bomber's era he was a stand out, developing the role of the hooker into what we recognise today whilst still being a crafty ball winner in the scrum a great tackler, tenacious and great at backing up breaks, he had it all. Going on to be the most capped GB hooker (if we forget the 'plastic tests' that Roby has played in) he has half as many again GB caps over a longer period than Jackson did AND won a World Cup plus 3 Ashes series, being on the winning side against Australia in 6 out of his 10 tests against them. I would classify Harris as GB's greatest ever hooker but that's my opinion.
Harris only started playing RL at the grand age of 22, was sensational in his trial match and quickly followed up by his debut the following month. With 443 matches, 56 tries and 2 championship winners medals he's one of Hull FC greatest ever players from home or abroad.
Jackson is deffo up there for inclusion in the short-list, he was fantastic for us, Swain, great work ethic, amazing tackler and leader, he probably just eclipses Jacko in overall contribution but Percival Thomas 'Bomber' Harris, is THE definitive hooker of any era, for me there is no doubt in the slightest and if there is any justice in voting on work ethic, skillset, contribution not only to the club but to the game internationally then Harris MUST be voted as our hooking option.
Not a lot to add to that re Tommy Harris except to say he is in my top 3 of all players I have seen play for the club having watched him since he began at Hull.
Perhaps his greatest game was in the 1960 Wembley final when he went into the match with a niggling shoulder injury which finally forced him from the field with over 15 minutes to play, having left the field concussed earlier in the match. His ovation from all the crowd as he walked back to the dressing room was something that will always be a great memory for me. His superb play and great courage justified the Lance Todd trophy even though Hull were hammered by Wakefield.
As has been mentioned earlier, in the 1950's in open play he played the typical No.9 game similar to what we witness today.
knockersbumpMKII wrote:
Harris, end of story, sorry but whilst Jackson is an old school-mate and I loved watching him coming up through the ranks into being a GB rep and playing for Sydney & Newcastle and winning the GF he just didnt have the presence and overall impact that Harris had on the Hull or even GB team and considered a 'great' by many.
Even amongst that magical team of Bomber's era he was a stand out, developing the role of the hooker into what we recognise today whilst still being a crafty ball winner in the scrum a great tackler, tenacious and great at backing up breaks, he had it all. Going on to be the most capped GB hooker (if we forget the 'plastic tests' that Roby has played in) he has half as many again GB caps over a longer period than Jackson did AND won a World Cup plus 3 Ashes series, being on the winning side against Australia in 6 out of his 10 tests against them. I would classify Harris as GB's greatest ever hooker but that's my opinion.
Harris only started playing RL at the grand age of 22, was sensational in his trial match and quickly followed up by his debut the following month. With 443 matches, 56 tries and 2 championship winners medals he's one of Hull FC greatest ever players from home or abroad.
Jackson is deffo up there for inclusion in the short-list, he was fantastic for us, Swain, great work ethic, amazing tackler and leader, he probably just eclipses Jacko in overall contribution but Percival Thomas 'Bomber' Harris, is THE definitive hooker of any era, for me there is no doubt in the slightest and if there is any justice in voting on work ethic, skillset, contribution not only to the club but to the game internationally then Harris MUST be voted as our hooking option.
Not a lot to add to that re Tommy Harris except to say he is in my top 3 of all players I have seen play for the club having watched him since he began at Hull.
Perhaps his greatest game was in the 1960 Wembley final when he went into the match with a niggling shoulder injury which finally forced him from the field with over 15 minutes to play, having left the field concussed earlier in the match. His ovation from all the crowd as he walked back to the dressing room was something that will always be a great memory for me. His superb play and great courage justified the Lance Todd trophy even though Hull were hammered by Wakefield.
As has been mentioned earlier, in the 1950's in open play he played the typical No.9 game similar to what we witness today.
Ronnie Wileman and Dean Treister in 2nd and 3rd places to Richard Swain (although how often did Swain actually get played at hooker, rather than in the halves?)
Ronnie Wileman and Dean Treister in 2nd and 3rd places to Richard Swain (although how often did Swain actually get played at hooker, rather than in the halves?)
Swain never played in the halfs,you getting mixed up with Berrigan?......as for Treister...how many matches did he play?
Ronnie Wileman and Dean Treister in 2nd and 3rd places to Richard Swain (although how often did Swain actually get played at hooker, rather than in the halves?)
Eh?
Swain never started in the halves for us. Not even once.
As for Treister, he was great, but he barely played half a season. 3rd all time is ridiculous.
When voting for the all time greatest team over a span of 150 years, I find it bordering on the ridiculous that some are suggesting a player in Dean Treister, who spent just half a season in a Hull shirt.
Tommy Harris was before my time, but his stats and reputation stand up to anyone elses
Lee Jackson was tremendous for Hull but left under cloud.
But of all all the players I have seen, Richard Swain would be the one I would say not only gave everything whilst on the pitch, what he gave was of the highest quality and he inspired others with his leadership.