Whitehaven have announced the death of one of their stalwart forwards from the 1950s, who went on to play for both professional clubs in Hull.
Jim Neale had been born in Maryport and played his amateur rugby for Broughton Moor before signing for Whitehaven in June 1958.
His debut in the chocolate, blue and gold came at Fartown, Huddersfield on November 1 1958 at second row when he was a direct replacement for the great Dick Huddart, who had been transferred to St Helens.
He went on to play a total of 124 games for Whitehaven before being transferred to Hull when the Boulevard club paid a reported record £6000 transfer fee for him.
Jim’s career at Hull saw him make 115 appearances for the Black and Whites before moving to York for three seasons.
He returned to the City of Hull in 1972 but this time to Hull KR where he played until his retirement in1973.
Jim, who played two games for Cumberland, went on to make 341 professional appearances, scoring 20 tries in a career spanning 14 years and four clubs.
Announcing the news, the Whitehaven Vice Presidents, said: “Jim was tough forward who played the game hard and woe betide anyone who crossed his path.
“Our condolences go out to Jim’s family and friends. Rest in peace marra.”
Jim is pictured, second from left on the back row in the team shot from 1961/62.
