All at Salford Red Devils were saddened to hear of the recent passing of three of our former players, Ken Gwilliam, John Rawlinson and Steve Cross.
Ken Gwilliam (1947-2024)
Ken Gwilliam, our former fullback, died on January 2nd, aged 77.
Salford overcame keen competition to sign the talented former amateur international from Blackbrook (St Helens) in May 1967.
After initially starring in Salford’s very competent ‘A’ team of that period his senior debut took place when deputising for the unwell Dave Evans in a 15-3 home win over Widnes on 1st December 1967, one of three first team appearances during 1967-68.
Noted for his safe handling, speed, and keen support play, he took over as first choice full-back in 1968-69 registering 40 matches including the Challenge Cup Final against Castleford at Wembley.
The arrival of Workington Town’s international full-back Paul Charlton during October 1969 limited Ken’s senior opportunities and, having played 61 times for Salford, he eventually transferred to his local club St Helens in August 1974.
Playing mostly at scrum-half, he was to remain with the Saints for over five years, appearing in three Premiership Finals and making a second Wembley visit in 1978.
He later played for Oldham, Cardiff and Bridgend, his last professional match being for the latter at Batley on 20th January 1985.
John Rawlinson (1954-2024)
Former Salford three-quarter, John Rawlinson has passed away on December 31st, aged 70.
He signed for the club ahead of the 1974-75 season, graduating from the Salford Colts team, having represented Great Britain and Lancashire at that level.
John was a burly player, strong enough to hold his own in the centre but with sufficient pace to play on the wing. His first team debut was on 5th January 1975 when, aged 19, he came off the bench to replace Paul Charlton at Featherstone.
A couple of months later, during March, he was selected on the right wing for two consecutive matches (away to Castleford, at home to Bradford Northern) replacing an injured Keith Fielding.
His next appearances were again on the right flank in two pre-season friendlies during August 1975, once more deputising for Fielding. Despite excellent ‘A’ team performances, his senior opportunities in Salford’s star-studded three-quarter line were limited.
It was not until May 1976 that he reappeared, this time on the left wing for both legs of the end of season Premiership Trophy semi-final tie with Wakefield Trinity.
A decision to scrap the ‘A’ team for 1976-77 as a cost-cutting measure resulted in eight reserve players being made available for transfer, including John.
Rochdale Hornets were quick to capitalise, signing him for £1,000 during August 1976. Having played in five official matches for Salford he was to make 71 appearances for the Hornets, the last of which was in October 1982.
Steve Cross (1963-2024)
Steve Cross passed away on December 31st, aged 62.
Signed on the recommendation of ‘A’ team coach Steve Nash from local amateurs Langworthy Juniors in December 1980 at the age of 17, he was to make a meteoric rise to the top level.
Within two months, 8th February 1981, he was selected for the first team match at Barrow and performed so well that he retained his place for the home Challenge Cup tie with Bradford Northern the following week, contributing a try in Salford’s 18-15 win.
Nash, who was also the first team captain and scrum-half, told the Manchester Evening News’ respected Rugby League scribe Jack McNamara: “I didn’t realise at first that we hadn’t signed him on, so I quickly sorted that out! In the dressing room before the match [with Bradford Northern] he said he was a bit scared.
“I said don’t worry, just get out there and do your job. If you don’t let the team down you’ve done your job. Well, he certainly didn’t let anybody down and he came on to a short ball really going at top speed to score”.
McNamara enthusiastically referred to him as ‘the 17-year-old who has made such a big impact in his short spell in the first team’.
But tragedy struck in his third consecutive match, a home fixture with Castleford on 22nd February, when he sustained a bad ankle injury from which he never fully recovered, effectively ending his very promising career after just three appearances.
