03.02.06

A Very Sad Day …

Posted in News at 6:12 pm by Mags

36 days to go …

Well its been on the cards for a while (well in my head any way) but today very sadly
Kris Radlinski ,My GFB , My Rugby Hero for the last 11years – has hung up his boots – very prematurely – because he can’t shake off his knee injury which has blighted what turned out to be the last season of his career :(

Its gutting that a player who has been up there with the greats – and will always be remembered as a Wigan Legend – has to end his career in this way .

I have watched some very memorable games in the last ten years – memorable because Kris has played a major part in them – often saving the teams neck with his never say die last line of defence – if Kris was on the pitch then the defence was almost impenetrable… he supported his team mates play – those fab chip kicks Lammy used to do and you knew Kris would be there to pick up the ball and score …

The last gasp last minute win against Bradford when they’d been leading to nil at half time … still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end when I watch the video as he takes the ball from Steve Renouf and that clock says 79 mins and 58 seconds and then he’s over the line …
His hat trick in his first ever premiership final …
and of course the 2002 Challenge Cup Final at Murrayfield – now immortalised as The Radlinski Final – where he got out of his hospital bed with an infected foot wore a specially made boot half a size too big and put in a Lance Todd Trophy winning performance and made all the stains players cry!!!!

Kris Radlinski has shown fantastic qualities as a role model both on and off the pitch – something sadly lacking in most sports.
He is a genuinely nice bloke – no airs or graces – a real Wigan Lad ! – but thoroughly lovely with it.
He’s always smiled when asked for photos (even when concussed!!) and laughs at the mention of my name when things are given to him to sign …
And didn’t flinch when I launched myself at him to plant a smacker ;)
(couldn’t help myself … he was THERE! )

It won’t be the same without him …

THANK YOU KRIS FOR THE MEMORIES – AND GOOD LUCK WITH WHAT EVER YOU DO NEXT .
(There’s always a cuppa with your name on it if you are ever down Rugby way whilst I’m here!)

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