Wire star Billy dies, aged 72 (From Warrington Guardian)

Wire star Billy dies, aged 72

ONE of Warrington's finest rugby league players, who helped to secure the league title in his first season, has died, aged 72.

Billy McFarlane, who joined the club in 1955, died in Wigan just a week after his birthday and has been described as one of the best players to pull on the primrose and blue jersey.

Former Wolves player Jackie Edwards said: "Billy was larger than life and the best player I've ever played with."

He joined the club after Warrington had enjoyed poor early season form but scored 28 tries in the remainder of the season as the club stormed to the title, losing just three more games.

Nobby Clarke, from the Warrington Past Players Association, said the loose forward was a terrific player.

He added: "He could have been a Great Britain player and one of the greatest names in rugby league, not just Warrington, if he had knuckled down.

"He was a real comic too and was always up to fun and games."

Billy played his last game at St Helens on August 25 1958, having made 46 first team appearances for Wire. A shoulder injury at Knowsley Road later forced him to retire.

Billy had joined Leigh when he was 18 from the Wigan St Joseph's club and throughout his rugby career he continued to work down the pit.

After leaving Warrington he played for Leigh, Rochdale and Halifax before retirement.

After quitting the game he worked in security back in Wigan.