It is sad that we report the passing of Bryan Todd, at the age of 80.
Bryan was a bustling centre, who played 17 games for the Saints during the latter part of the 1963-64 season, after his signing from Keighley, writes Alex Service.
He had begun his career at York and made his Saints’ debut in the home game against Hull KR at Knowsley Road on February 1 1964. He was in his customary left centre position and scored a try in Saints’ 9-5 victory.
His winger that afternoon was Peter Harvey.
“Bryan was a big, rough centre and could run,” he said. “I think he played against us earlier in the season and made a big impression, which was one reason why he was signed. Bryan was a different player to the centres we had at the time, namely Cen Williams and Keith Northey and certainly gave coach Stan McCormick greater scope for the backs.
“He was a nice bloke, too, who did the job he was signed for.”
Indeed Bryan scored five tries and kicked seven goals in his relatively short stay at Knowsley Road. His last match was at Castleford on May 27 1964, a 10-11 reversal at Wheldon Road, when coach Stan McCormick was told that his services would not be required for the following season.
In this game, Bryan’s wing partner was someone who would become a fixture in the centres himself in the future: Billy Benyon.
Bryan went on to join the re-formed Bradford Northern club and went on to represent Yorkshire although he also played at various times for Halifax and Huddersfield.
Eventually he migrated to Australia, in the mid-1970s, where his rugby league odyssey continued. He played in and coached teams in Northern Queensland, before moving to Western Australia and later, he became Head Coach at Port Kembla.
He lived his final years in Aberglasslyn.
We would like to thank his son, Wayne, for telling us about his father’s passing and all at the St. Helens club send their condolences to his family at this sad time.
Bryan Todd (Bottom Right)
