THE ORIGINAL RED DEVILS

Willows Wall | David Watkins selected at right centre

We are delighted to announce that David Watkins is the third name on the ‘Willows Wall Heritage Team as part of an initiative between Capricorn Security and the Salford Red Devils Foundation.
Watkins comfortably won the second vote for the position of right centre ahead of the likes of Kevin McGuiness, Stuart Littler and Greg Austin.
The legendary centre joined Salford in 1967 after a successful Rugby Union career which saw him capped for both Wales and the British and Irish Lions. His signing – worth £15,000 – was a then Club record. Watkins would go on to become Salford’s all-time leading points scoring racking up a mammoth 2,907 points.
Watkins famously captained the side in their 1969 Challenge Cup final defeat to Castleford, the Red Devils’ most recent trip to Wembley. He was also an integral part of Salford’s Championship winning sides in both 1973-74 and 1975-76 seasons. Watkins also won the Lancashire Cup with Salford in 1973.
The Welsh international made six appearances for the Great Britain Rugby League side before representing his country in every game of the 1975 Rugby League World Cup.
Watkins would go on to play for Swinton during the 1979-1980. In the 1986 New Years Honours, Watkins was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to Rugby League.
The full results were as follows: 

  • David Watkins – 63.59%
  • Greg Austin – 9.75%
  • Junior Langi – 7.93%
  • Kevin McGuiness – 4.81%
  • Albert Gear – 3.64%
  • Scott Naylor – 3.64%
  • Ged Byrne – 2.86%
  • Stuart Littler – 2.60%
  • Les Bettinson – 0.78%
  • Willie Thomas – 0.39%

If you’d like to get your names alongside a host of Salford Red Devils legends contact John.Blackburn@Salfordreddevils.net and get your name on the ‘Willows Wall’ for £25.

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