Bull Masters - Ernest Ward
Modern day fans will be aware of the Ernest Ward Memorial Trophy being awarded to the game's International Player of the Year. The Bradford ex Players Association award this trophy annually in conjunction with Rugby League World Magazine to the player who has made the most impact for Gt. Britain over the previous twelve months.
But what of the man himself? Well Ernest Ward was quite simply one of the greatest players ever to represent this club. Captain at Wembley in three consecutive occasions he was signed from Dewsbury Boys Club on his 16th birthday in 1936 and it was 17 years later that he played his last game for the then Bradford Northern.
Just 37 days after signing he made his debut against Swinton at Odsal and looked set for a big future but the war clouds were gathering and like all players of his generation he effectively lost six years of his career to the war. Games were played though during that period and Ernest was able to establish himself in the side that was short of players and played a major part in the Northern team of that time, winning a Challenge Cup winners medal in 1944.
When the war ended he became the kingpin of the great Northern team that Dai Rees so carefully put together. He became a prolific points scorer and this record of 34 points in a game stood for an incredible 40 years to the day when it was finally broken by John Woods. His ability to kick goals from seemingly impossible angles meant his value to the side was immeasurable.
He had a great aptitude to lead by example and he was an automatic choice as Captain and he was well respected by everyone in the game. He formed a great partnership with his winger, Emlyn Walters who was the main beneficiary of his classic centre play.
Ernest made 20 Test appearances for Gt. Britain and gave great service to Bradford Northern for 17 years.
When an all time great Bradford side was picked in conjunction with the Telegraph and Argus, Ernest was an automatic choice for the Centre spot almost fifty years since he played his last game for the club and he was again selected, this time by the supporters of the club, for the Team of the Century as the Bulls celebrated their Centenary in 2007.
A great player and a great servant it is a fitting tribute that his name lives on with the Ernest Ward Memorial Trophy.
Games played 391
Goals 538
Tries 117
Points 1427.