A talented West Cumbrian player from over 100 years ago will be honoured at Whitehaven on Sunday.
At half-time in the final match of the season, between Whitehaven and Halifax, descendants of Billy Little will receive his official heritage number.
Parton-born Billy played 305 games for Halifax between 1901 and 1910, kicking 306 goals and scoring four tries.
He won one England cap against Other Nationalities in 1904; was twice in the winning Challenge Cup team; played eight times for Cumberland – and four for Yorkshire and in 1911 was sold to Bradford for £50.
Billy has already been inducted as a member of the Halifax Hall of Fame, and the game with Whitehaven seemed the perfect time to present his heritage number to present-day family members.
Paul Farrell, who is coach of the new Cumberland League champions Wath Brow A, and his brother Kyle will receive the special certificate.
Billy is one of four Cumbrians who are members of the Halifax Hall of Fame. The others are Jimmy Dodd, who hailed from Kirkby Lonsdale and played from 1876 to 1893; Hudson Irving from Maryport (1933 to 1947) who died of a heart attack playing for Halifax against Dewsbury; Alvin Ackerley was born in Dearham and played for Workington Town before he joined Halifax (1948 to 1958).
