The RFL pay tribute to Dave Bolton, the former Wigan and Great Britain stand-off who also enjoyed historic success in Australia, and who has died in Australia at the age of 83.
Bolton, who made his Wigan debut in 1954 and went on to make 300 appearances for the club, was a member of three Ashes-winning Great Britain teams, having played in two Tests on the 1958 Lions tour, in all three Tests in the home series win in 1959, and one Test as the Ashes were again retained in Australia in 1962.
He was twice a Challenge Cup winner with Wigan at Wembley, against Workington Town in 1958 and Hull FC the following year, when he scored a try, and also played in their Championship Final win against Wakefield Trinity at Odsal in 1960.
He then joined the Balmain Tigers, and after losing a Grand Final against St George in 1966, Bolton was judged the outstanding player in their shock 11-2 triumph against South Sydney at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1969.
After playing a part in the decisive try and kicking two drop goals, which were then worth two points, Bolton was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal retrospectively when Australian Rugby League celebrated its centenary in 2008.
He moved into coaching with Parramatta and then assisting Tim Sheens at Penrith, and was inducted into the Balmain Tigers Hall of Fame in 2005.
Ralph Rimmer, the RFL Chief Executive, said: “Dave Bolton’s career records speak for themselves. He won the Ashes with Great Britain, he won Challenge Cups and the Championship with Wigan, and then he was one of the first British players to enjoy success in Australia.
“I know he will be mourned by his former Wigan and Great Britain team-mates, and by supporters of Wigan and other clubs who remember watching him play. We send our deep condolences to his family and friends, and give thanks for his life and his contribution to Rugby League.”
Picture courtesy of Wigan Observer.
