Many authorities on the game of Rugby League regard Jim Sullivan as the greatest player ever. Certainly he was the most famous player of his day and whenever 'greatest sides' are put together Jim Sullivan at fullback is the first name on the teamsheet.

Judged purely on his records he is unsurpassed and many will never be broken. Signed by Wigan from Cardiff RU at the age of 17 he made 928 club and representative appearances, kicking 2,867 goals with 100 or more in 18 successive seasons.

His record of 22 goals and 44 points scored in a Challenge Cup match has stood for over 70 years. He made a record 60 international appearances, 25 of them for Great Britain in Test matches against Australia and New Zealand. His international totals of 160 goals and 329 points are also records.

However, his contribution to the game was much more than simply the records that he amassed. He was a fine all-round fullback and a great leader who captained Great Britain in 15 Tests and led the ashes winning 1932 tourists to Australasia appearing in all six Test matches, three in Australia and three in New Zealand.

After his death, Jim's ashes were scattered on the pitch at Central Park, Wigan's famous ground from 1902 to 1999. A bronze sculpture on the site commemorates Jim as one of Wigan's greatest players along with Joe Egan, Tommy Bradshaw and Billy Boston.

He toured also in 1924 and 1928 but declined to tour in 1936, a tour that would have made him unique as the only player ever to make four tours.