Leigh Centurions Players Association inducted Wembley hero David Eckersley into their Hall of Fame at their annual dinner held at Leigh Miners on Friday.

David and his wife Maureen came over from their home in Australia especially for the occasion and will complete a memorable weekend by being guests of honour at Leigh Centurions’ home game against Batley Bulldogs in the Kingstone Press Championship on Sunday (3pm).

Leigh CPA Chairman Jason Donohue #996, who has worked tirelessly to build up the Association was thrilled that the latest member of the Hall of Fame had made such a big effort to attend.

“It was a fantastic evening, made all the more special by David and Maureen being there,” Jason said. “When David made his Leigh debut on 18 February 1968, he became the 762nd player to play for Leigh and went on to make 160 appearances. Probably the most memorable of these was in the Challenge Cup final of 1971 when massive underdogs Leigh, led by player-coach Alex Murphy, caused one of the biggest shocks in Rugby League history, defeating Leeds 24-7 at Wembley.

“It was the biggest day in the Club’s history and is still spoken about on a daily basis in Leigh. David was part of something special and the bonds he created with his team-mates and the Leigh fans are still as strong today. Though he has lived in Australia for 30 years it was as though he had never been away.

“David scored a try and dropped a goal in Leigh's finest hour and though he went on to feature in three more Wembley finals and represent Great Britain during his career, that day remains the greatest day in his career. He played with distinction for St Helens, Widnes and Fulham but at heart was always a Leyther.

“He joins an iconic list of players who have earned their place in Leigh history - and many of these lads were present to witness his induction. Alex Murphy OBE #755, Kevin Ashcroft #752, Mick Stacey #794, Paul Grimes #769, Tommy Sale MBE #460 and John Woods #858 joined over 40 other past players and over one hundred guests to witness the presentation which was the centrepiece of a great evening.”

Jason added: “When I emailed David with the decision of the committee to have him inducted into the Hall of Fame, I was amazed with his response. He readily said he would travel round the world to be with us on the night to collect his accolade, along with his wife Maureen. That shows how much Leigh means to him and his family.”

The evening was also attended by both Halifax and Hunslet Player Associations with whom Leigh CPA have forged close links recently. Malcolm Powell from Halifax said: “The evening was brilliant, it was a super idea to have a mixed dinner and showed that Leigh are not only leading the way on the field but off the field as well.

“As players’ associations go, the Leigh CPA is a leader in how to go about things.”