WARRINGTON Wolves have paid tribute to former player Tommy Martyn who has died aged 69 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
The former second-rower died on Sunday 6 November at Christies surrounded by his family.
Tommy was signed from Leigh in 1975 and helped his new side to Wembley that season, only to lose to Widnes. Warrington paid Leigh £8,500 plus the Welsh forward Clive Jones for Tommy’s services.
He was a tremendous ball playing forward who not only created many tries for his teammates, but also scored 51 tries himself, in 220 appearances and 6½ years at Wilderspool. He was a member of the Warrington sides that won the John Player Trophy in 1978 and 1981 and the Lancashire Cup in 1980.
One of his best performances came against Australia on that memorable Wilderspool night in October 1978 when Warrington beat the Kangaroos 15-12. Tommy and Mike Nicholas lead a youthful Warrington side to one of their greatest ever victories.
Tommy’s skills earned him a place on the 1979 Great Britain tour of Australia, five England caps and made him a regular in the Lancashire County team. Unfortunately injury curtailed his Great Britain tour and he never really gained the honours that he deserved.
In 2003 Tommy was selected in the Warrington Dream Team of the Wilderspool era by his peers in the Warrington Players Association. In 2011 he was inducted into the Warrington Hall of Fame.
Leigh-born Tommy started his professional career at Batley, though it was not long before he joined Leigh in 1971. After three years with Leigh he moved to Wilderspool. Warrington were very fortunate to see the very best years of Tommy.
Tommy re-joined Leigh in a straight swap deal for Tommy Gittins at the start of the 1981/2 season with Murphy back at the helm at Hilton Park. It was Leigh’s most memorable season with an early Lancashire Cup Final success over Widnes followed by Leigh winning the Championship for only their second time.
His son Tommy went on to be a star at local rivals St Helens.
Tommy Martyn in action at Wilderspool Picture Eddie Whitham
Tommy Martyn pictured in action at Wilderspool Picture Eddie Whitham
Tommy Martyn (back row 2nd right) Picture Eddie Whitham
