DID you know Wayne Bennett has history with Warrington?

The Brisbane Broncos head coach, the greatest coach in Australian history, made his English professional debut 45 years ago.

That came for Huddersfield on Saturday, September 30, 1972, at Fartown in a league game - and the opposition were Warrington!

The Wire had been overturned the previous Sunday there in the Player’s No.6 Trophy first round 15-23, but Warrington gained revenge in this league encounter 24-10.

Both Huddersfield substitutes that day played, with Bennett the substitute back, and Dave Weavill (who would later be transferred to Warrington) the forward substitute.

Warrington Guardian:

Wayne had come over from the All Whites club in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. At that time three other ‘guest’ players came over to England to improve their football, second rower Greg Veivers, prop Jim Hill, and utility pack man, Bob West.

The Huddersfield club had brought them over also in the hope of improving form and attendances, but this didn't happen, and it got so desperate that on one occasion the players agreed to play for nothing!

Wayne was a utility back and also the main goal kicker during the period he was there, with a future Wembley Warrington star Billy Pickup his centre partner, and Ray Clark a former Wire star at loose forward.

On 3 December 1972 he played at Wilderspool, only to see his side overturned 5-28.

Warrington Guardian:

His farewell game for the Yorkshire side was in a home draw against Hull K.R. on 4 February 1973.

Breakdown of his Huddersfield career:

Appearances 16+1    Tries 3    Goals 36   Points 81

Positions played: Full back 1, Right wing 4, Right centre 10, Left wing 1, substitute 1

Compiled by Stan Lewandowski

Programmes supplied courtesy of Phil Ball