Club looks back at ‘true leader’s’career
WIDNES Vikings said the club was ‘heartbroken’ to learn of ‘true leader’ Frank Myler’s death.
In a statement published on its website, the Championship side paid tribute to Widnes hall of fame legend Myler, who made 369 appearances for Widnes between 1955 and 1967, including what it called a ‘pivotal role’ in its 1964 Challenge Cup triumph over Hull KR.
It recounted how he made his debut for his hometown club at the age of 16, before spending 12 years at Naughton Park where he was ‘adored’ by Chemics fans.
Myler scored 144 tries for the club, earning him sixth place among Widnes’s all-time top scorers.
Having captained club and country, Myler became one of the biggest names in the sport, and Widnes Vikings recalled how his try in the 1964 Challenge Cup was crucial in the 13-5 victory over
Hull KR in front of almost 85,000 fans.
He also remains the last Great Britain captain to lift the Ashes after beating Australia in 1970.
A club spokesman said: “Frank paved the way for Widnes’s greatest ever years in terms of silverware, as the club made back-to-back Wembley visits and were crowned league champions for the first time under his leadership as head coach.
“After a stint away from the club, he returned in 1991 to guide Widnes to a Regal Trophy triumph, the last piece of major silverware lifted by the club.
“Loved by Widnes fans on and off the field, Frank was a true leader and his efforts for club and country have ensured that he will go down as one of the sport’s greatest ever players and coaches.”
Phil Finney, Widnes Vikings chief executive, said: “On behalf of Widnes Vikings, I would like to offer my condolences to the Myler family following the tragic news of Frank’s passing.
“The impact that Frank had on the club and the sport as a whole is hard to quantify, given how much he was loved by those who were lucky enough to watch him play.
“What is testament to Frank and the legacy he has left behind is how many people he inspired to take up the sport, not only in the Myler family but throughout rugby league.
“The name is synonymous with Widnes Rugby League Club, and without his efforts for the club on and off the pitch then we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy some of our most memorable achievements.
“Frank will always be remembered as a legend, not only in Widnes but throughout the rugby league community.”
Ralph Rimmer, Rugby Football League chief executive, said: “Frank Myler will rightly be remembered as an outstanding player, especially for Widnes and St Helens, and of course for Great Britain including captaining the Lions to our last Ashes success in Australia in 1970.
“I was privileged to attend the Rugby League Lions Association lunch earlier this year and to present medals to members of the squad and in some cases their relatives on behalf of the RFL, in belated recognition of their achievement.
“Frank was too ill to attend, but it was obvious listening to the recollections of the players who did that his leadership had been a key factor behind the success of that tour.
“He also went on to coach Great Britain on the 1984 Lions tour.
“On behalf of the RFL, we send our condolences to his family and friends.”
The club spokesman added: “Frank brought joy to the lives of so many people throughout his life, and he will be sadly missed by all.
“The thoughts of everyone at Widnes Vikings are with the Myler family at this difficult time.”