First Professional Players

George Roughley, a founder member of Latchford Albion, was a young centre learning his game with Latchford when a string of fine performances caught the eye of the mighty Wigan who were then the leading club in the land. On 18th October 1947, after having represented the Albion in games at Victoria Park, George found himself facing 15,500 supporters at Craven Park in a 14-6 victory over Barrow.

Described as an enterprising player well worth watching, he was immediately thrown into the Lancs Cup Final where Wigan, without four key players, beat Belle Vue Rangers. George went on to make 123 appearances for Wigan and scored 40 tries between October 1947 and December 1953. 

George Wright was a twenty-one year old second row forward when he was signed from Latchford Albion to play for Leigh in August 1948. At that time he stood 6'2" tall and weighed over 13 stone. George had obtained schoolboy county honours and had already represented the Amateur League against France.

George made his Leigh debut on 23rd October 1948 at Oldham in a forgettable 11-0 defeat. Not a prolific scorer he had only registered one try before scoring against Latchford Albion in the Challenge Cup tie in 1951. His third and final try came the following season against the New Zealand touring side. That was his final season at Kirkhall Lane having played 42 game for Leigh.

Ronnie Ryder was picked up from Latchford Albion by Warrington early in 1949. His father, Freddie, a former Wire player was on the coaching staff at that time. Ronnie was just 5?7? and weighed 11 stone but went on to collect two Challenge Cup Winners? Medals, a Championship Medal and a Great Britain Cap.

Additionally, he was to play centre for the great Brian Bevan on no less than 68 occasions in his Warrington career. That career saw him notch up 161 appearances and 51 tries before he lost his place to the teenage Jim Challinor in 1954.

That summer Ronnie, aged 29, was transferred to Blackpool Borough.

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