Hunslet Hall of Fame and Roll of Honour Inductees 2025

Three players who have worn the famous Hunslet jersey with great distinctions are to be granted the ultimate honour later this year when they will be inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame.

William Gilston, Roy Sampson and David Brook have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Club and will take their place in the Hall of Fame at a celebration dinner on Saturday 9^th August at The Hunslet Club.

The Club will also be inducting former General Manager and long-time volunteer Peter Todd into the Roll of Honour in recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to Hunslet and Rugby League over many years.

Hunslet President Peter Jarvis said, “On behalf of everyone at the Club, I would like to congratulate Roy, David, Peter and the family of “Billy” on their worthy inductions.”

“Both on or off the field, all four served the Club with great distinction and have played an important part in the history of Hunslet RLFC.  It is a real privilege to be able to bestow this very special honour on them.”

 Hall of Fame Inductees

William “Billy” Gilston

William is recognised as the main founder of Club.  On the 21^st May 1883 he attended a meeting at the Cemetery Tavern where the decision to include a football section was passed and the Club name was amended to Hunslet Cricket and Football Club.

A talented three-quarter he played on 232 occasions, scoring 17 tries and 20 goals.  He holds the honour of being the scorer of Hunslet’s first ever goal in 1883 v Hull A and the first goal at Parkside in 1888.  A leader of men he was also the Club’s first captain and led them to a 21-0 victory over Leeds in the 1892 Yorkshire Cup Final.

Roy Sampson

Roy served the Club with distinction as both a player and coach.  A true clubman he was prepared to play anywhere for the good of the team, but hooker was his preferred position.  Signed from Stanley Rangers in 1983 he made 203 first team appearances scoring an impressive 40 tries.  He played for 12 seasons at Hunslet and had the honour of being captain for 6 of them.

He became player/coach with A team winning Second Division title in his first season.  He then became assistant coach to David Plange coach and was part of the coaching team that saw Hunslet play in the first ever Wembley Plate Final in 1997 against Hull KR and emerge victorious in the 1999 Championship Grand Final against Dewsbury.  Roy became Head Coach in 2000 and was nominated for Coach of the Year in 2005.

Well respected by friends and foe alike, a true rugby league man.

David Brook

Grandson of Charlie Sage, who represented the Club with distinction in the 1920’s, “Brookie” was always destined to play for Hunslet.  A product of Middleton Amateurs the popular halfback signed for the Club in 1990, making his debut against Trafford Borough.  He went on play 178 games, just short of his Grandad’s 195, but his 72 tries stand up to any scrutiny and put him at number 3 in the try scoring charts since the Club’s reformation in 1973.

An astute kicking game, added to his try scoring exploits, and a “never say die” attitude made him a firm favourite with fans and teammates alike.  Former teammate Mal Graham taking him over to Australia in 1993 for a spell with his Toronto Workers team.

Without doubt one of Hunslet’s favourites sons.

Roll of Honour Inductee

Peter Todd

Those who know Peter know he is an unassuming, humble man who does not crave the limelight.  However, it is important that when the history of Hunslet is told he is remembered for his contribution to the very fact the Club is still around.  Peter’s work ethic and willingness to take on any task, no matter how big or small, made him a standout volunteer and administrator within the game for over 40 years.

His involvement started as a schoolteacher at Golborne Comprehensive, near Wigan.  Although a rugby union player he was entrusted to coach one of the school’s rugby league teams.  As is the way with people who get the job done this quickly turned into 5 teams and all the associated administration !!!

When the Hunslet and Leeds associations merged in 1996, as secretary of the new association, Peter was instrumental in ensuring the success of the merger and the early years of the newly named Leeds & Hunslet Schools’ Rugby League. He coached city teams at Under 11 and Under 13 levels.  Peter also led local liaison between the schools and the amateur game; he was therefore the ideal person to be involved in the newly created Service Area.  Peter’s work in the Service Area led to his setting up the Hunslet Scholarship with Sam Horner

Peter refereed in both the school and amateur games and refereed the Wembley curtain-raiser in 1999.

In 2007 the Club had hit a difficult patch and new Chairman Steven Ball was tasked with stabilizing it.  Recognising Peter’s abilities, he convinced him to join the Hawks to initiate a scholarship scheme.  However, his job role soon multiplied to include every task associated with running a semi-professional club.

Always putting others first, Peter epitomises the selflessness that is at the core of rugby league.

Details of tickets for the Hall of Fame dinner will be out soon.

Click here to view our Hall of Fame

Click here to view our Roll of Honour