Brian McTigue

Who is Brian McTigue?

Brian McTigue was an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1950s and '60s. He is a Wigan RL Hall of Fame member and is considered to be one of the greatest forwards in Great Britain's history.

‘Sheer Wizardry’ often described the distribution skills and sleight of hand of Brian McTigue. He started his Wigan career as a centre, but took his handling skills into the pack where he won many club and international honours.

The sport however, nearly missed the talents of Brian McTigue because boxing was his first love at one time. He was so highly rated that former world champion Joey Maxim invited him to the United States after McTigue had figured in some exhibitions with the American. Fortunately McTigue decided to stick with rugby and, after only five games as a hooker for the Giants Hall Colliery team, Wigan signed him and converted him into a three quarter.

Although he made his début at Oldham in April 1951, he spent the next three years languishing in the 'A' Team. Wigan were prepared to sell him to Oldham but he refused. His patience paid off and, just as it looked as though he was not going to make it, he suddenly shot to prominence.