heard the tragic news that the greatest player of my childhood era in the greatest game of all has lost his battle with cancer. I remember to this day watching his skill and unrivalled intelligence, the passes you couldnt believe possible. I hope that Leeds Rugby League go on to win the grand final in his name. Different eras have thier hero's but John Holmes is up there with Ellery Hanley, in fact any you can think of. The subtlety of his play from stand off changed my view of the game, made me see the beauty that football could never show, rugby union isnt even on my radar. The worst, most bigotted sport of all, for a century akin to the south african aparthied system. We will never forget. Rugby union is poor sport. I remember when Bath at thier peak took on Wigan , who were in decline and lost 84 6. When Bradford Bulls played St Helens, the other strongest team at the time, got on a bus after midnight, drove to London, had 2 hours sleep and still won rugby unions sevens competition. Anyone who cant see that league is 10 years ahead just isnt watching. Also it's as boring as dressage.
John Holmes died age 57. The Leeds born stand off made his debut for the club at 16 and went on to make 625 appearances from 1968-89 in which he gained 16 winners medals with 1554 points, he is the fourth in Leeds all time scoring records and was a member of the winning teams of 1977 and 1978 challenge cup competition. Holmes won 20 caps for great britain and played in the 1972 and 1977 world cups. He also played 7 times for England and made 8 appearances for yorkshire. A player way ahead of his time whos' creativity would stand out even today. A true legend and our thoughts and feelings are with his family at this tragic time.
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