Boys of 1955 to cheer on modern day heroes (From Warrington Guardian)

Boys of 1955 to cheer on modern day heroes

8:02am Thursday 4th October 2012 in News

SEVENTEEN Warrington Wolves players will look to invoke the spirit of 1955 on Saturday night at Old Trafford.

Wolves line up against defending champions Leeds Rhinos in the Grand Final as they look to secure their first championship title in more than half a century.

There are three known surviving members of the 1955 side who defeated Oldham - also in Manchester on a rain and hailstone soaked Maine Road ground.

Two, captain Albert Naughton and prop Gerry Lowe, have passed on their support to Tony Smith’s men for the weekend from their sick beds.

The third surviving player, wing Len Horton, now lives in Australia.

Albert, aged 83, now lives in the Isle of Man where he is currently ill in hospital.

His son John has arranged for a message from him to be passed to the team ahead of the match. Like the Monaghans, Joel and Michael for the modern day Wolves, Albert played that day at centre alongside his prop forward brother Danny.

John said: “Albert is sending his best wishes for Tony Smith and his team for Saturday.”

Gerry Lowe, aged 84, is also poorly but still regularly cheers on the Wolves on TV from his Sale home.

And he won’t be alone on Saturday.

More than 20,000 fans are expected to travel to Old Trafford for the game which will see Warrington look to add the Super League trophy to their Challenge Cup win - also over Leeds - at Wembley in August.

It will be the club’s first appearance in the Super League showpiece following Saturday’s historic win over St Helens.

Thousands of fans queued for their tickets on Sunday and Monday, with supporters waiting more than an hour to make sure they got their hands on tickets Tickets are still on sale at The Halliwell Jones Stadium until tomorrow, Friday (subject availability and demand) and supporters can also buy tickets from the RFL ticket hotline and online.