I did have early doubts about Martin – Kurt
● FELLOW Hall of Fame inductee Kurt Sorensen has admitted he was not altogether convinced by Martin Offiah when he arrived at Naughton Park in 1987 having never played rugby league.
It took the former Rosslyn Park rugby union wing until his third game before he finally crossed the whitewash in a Lancashire Cup tie at Runcorn Highfield.
But having developed a taste for crossing the tryline, there was no stopping him.
Sorensen told the Weekly News: “When Martin first came, I was a bit worried because it took him a few games to score and he was a little bit hesitant from what I remember.
“But once he’d got his first try he was away and I thought this guy’s a bit special.
“We looked after him and the rest is history with Martin.
“Dougie (Laughton) was able to add a few more signings into the mix and it all came together.”
Sorensen is rightly proud to become a Hall of Famer after his own stint at Widnes which saw a team in transition progress to become World Club Champions in 1989.
He added: “It’s a massive honour. My time at Widnes was fantastic and I enjoyed the fact we’d built things from the ground up.
“It wasn’t all glory to start with so by the time I’d finished, I’d gained a lot of personal satisfaction. I’ll never forget the support I had from the people and that’s why I want to help them rebuild now in any way I can.”
Thursday, November 1, 2007 THE club’s website announced that Steve O’Connor “had purchased the assets of Widnes Rugby League Club Ltd from the Administrator”.
O’Connor’s original intention was to make a donation, or set up a trust with other local businessmen, but lack of support persuaded him to forge a partnership with the local Council.
He said: “What has happened to Widnes Rugby League Club over recent years is a tragedy. It’s a fantastic institution.
“My goal is to help put strong foundations in place where Widnes Vikings can flourish and take their rightful place in the Super League elite.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor Tony McDermott, added: “We were very impressed with the proposal submitted by Steve O’Connor.
“It offers a substantial cash injection and impressive long-term vision – but at the same time recognises the short-term challenges.” ● WIDNES VIKINGS: On This Day is available now at £9.99 from the Vikings Superstore. ●
MARTIN OFFIAH may be a household name these days, but he has not forgotten the foundations of his fame and fortune.
When he joined Widnes from Rosslyn Park Rugby Union Club in 1987 as a 20-year-old, the flying wing probably did not fully realise what he was letting himself in for.
But with master talent-spotter and Widnes head coach Dougie Laughton there to guide him, Offiah quickly established himself as one of the game’s great tryscorers. And the rest, as they say, is history.
He told the Weekly News: “Going to play rugby league with Widnes was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. It was Dougie that facilitated that.
“I did have a bit of interest from somebody at Hull and there was the story about St Helens scouts coming down to watch me. But Dougie was the right person at the right time.
“I was in the final trial to play in the 1987 World Cup for the England rugby union team and didn’t get selected and Dougie came calling.
“I thought he was blowing smoke when he told me how good I was going to be but he had an eye for talent. He was good at getting players together and giving them free rein.
“It was difficult to compete with Wigan to sign established League players so he went down the Union route.
“He got a great side together which culminated that night at Old Trafford in 1989 when we won the World Club Challenge.”
Offiah was in town last weekend to be inducted into the Widnes Hall of Fame alongside Kiwi prop Kurt Sorensen and preWorld War One player Ernie Swinton.
Offiah spent just four seasons in Widnes colours which is perhaps a bit on the skinny side for a Hall of Famer. However, 181 tries in 145 games explains the reason for his inclusion.
He was delighted to receive his honour alongside his captain of the day, Sorensen, and also quick to praise his teammates of the time.
“With an MBE, a statue at Wembley and being in two Halls of Fame already, it’s nice to complete the set with the club it all started with all those years ago.
“It was a very special time for myself and the club and I’m honoured to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with Kurt, who really did look after me after I came in as a relative unknown.
“I suppose I was one of the first of Dougie’s Union converts and if it hadn’t worked with me, maybe he wouldn’t have brought all the others along!
“I always thought Phil McKenzie was an important player at hooker. It all starts from dummyhalf and he was a phenomenal player. There was the likes of Tony Myler, the Hulme brothers and, of course, Darren Wright to whom I owe a lot.
“Dazzer was a great player himself but he really helped make me look great. He was