By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 12:39, Tuesday, 08 May 2012

Billy Garratt, considered by many veteran fans as Whitehaven’s greatest ever stand-off, is to be inducted in to the club’s Hall of Fame.

Skipper of the outstanding 1956/7 Haven side which beat Australia and reached the Challenge Cup semi-final, he topped a poll of the club’s Vice Presidents and will be inducted on May 18.

“Billy played in probably one of Whitehaven’s best teams, and it’s nice they have gone for one of the older players rather than a more recent one,” said organiser Des Byrne.

Garratt, pictured, joined Haven from Kells in 1950 and went on to score 42 tries in 234 games before his retirement in 1958.

Famed for his tactical ability, strong kicking game and defence, he was also versatile, playing 63 times at centre, and even moving to loose-forward in his final season.

Haven will now induct two players annually in to the Hall of Fame, Garratt, the 13th to receive the honour, being the first this year.

Ex-Papua New Guinea star Stanley Gene, who now coaches at Hull KR, will be a special guest on the night.

“We were looking for someone interesting and Stanley agreed to come up,” Byrne added. “He’s got a book out and I’ve had a look at it. There are some funny bits and he will be a good crack.”

Tickets cost £5 for VPs and £10 for guests including pie and peas. The VPs continue to raise funds for the club and are currently paying accommodation costs of PNG international Jessie Joe Parker.

“Anything else we can do to help the club, we will,” Byrne said.

First published at 11:31, Tuesday, 08 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk