Hunslet RLFC are proud to announce the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees, recognising a group of individuals whose dedication, achievements and lasting impact have helped shape the Club’s proud history.  

Club President Peter Jarvis acknowledged the former players –  “Congratulations to Herbert “Hector” Crowther, Barry Lee, Chris “Billy” Bowden and Keith Mitchell.  Their commitment on and off the field represents the spirit, passion and tradition of Hunslet and we are honoured to celebrate their place among the Club’s all time greats.”

This year’s Hall of Fame Dinner will take place on Saturday 15th August at The Hunslet Club, ticket details will be released shortly. 

Herbert “Hector” Crowther

Hector made his debut against Warrington in 1919 and played 16 seasons for Hunslet.  A second row forward, he made 464 appearances for the Club racking up an impressive 105 tries,  His crowning glory was as a member of the 1934 Challenge Cup winning side that, despite being reduced to 12 men, defeated Widnes 11-5 at Wembley.

The programme notes for the Final described him as “the veteran of the team and the hardest worker on the side”.

Barry Lee

Barry played 16 seasons for the Club, amassing 68 tries in 248 games.  Although not the biggest of men he was renowned for his tough tackling and never more was his immense bravery put to the test than when he faced the legendary Billy Boston in the epic 1965 Challenge Cup Final.  Despite losing to the much fancied Wigan side Hunslet emerged with great credit from the 20-16 defeat, in what is still regarded as one of the best Challenge Cup Finals of all time.

Barry was part of the Yorkshire Cup winning team that were 12-2 victors over Hull KR in the 1962/63 season.

Chris “Billy” Bowden

The ever popular “Billy” Bowden was a product of the Club’s Colt side and made his first team debut against Halifax in 1983.  Starting life at Centre he made his biggest impact after moving to the Second Row where his turn of speed caused havoc for opposing defences.  He was a key member of the 1986/87 Second Division Champions side, which won 25 of their 28 fixtures.

Billy made 177 appearances for the first team, scoring 23 tries, before joining Roy Sampson’s coaching team that masterminded one of the Challenge Cup’s biggest upsets when they defeated Super League side Huddersfield Giants in 2003.  After leaving Hunslet Billy continued to give great service to rugby league as Coach at Oulton Raiders.

Keith Mitchell

Keith was one of those players respected by teammates and opponents alike.  Starting life as a skilful scrum half he was a key member of the Colts Challenge Cup winning team in 1982/3.  His impressive displays in the youth ranks earned him 3 first team appearances in the same season and so began his 11 year love affair with the Club.

The model professional, he was “tough as teak” and always played the game hard but fair.  A Coach’s dream, Keith moved into the pack, and whilst Hooker was his favoured position his versatility and “team first” ethos saw him play in every position in the pack.  

Keith made 145 first team appearances, scoring 20 tries.  A “player’s player” Keith was the epitome of what a good teammate should be.

Hunslet RLFC Hall of Fame
Heritage No.NameDebutOpponent
7William Gilston6 Oct 1883Hull ‘A’
112Albert Goldthorpe6 Oct 1888Wortley
119Walter Goldthorpe31 Aug 1889Kirkstall
343Fred Smith16 Sep 1905Halifax
542Herbert “Hector” Crowther8 Nov 1919Warrington
640Jack Walkington19 Mar 1927Halifax
864Alf “Ginger” Burnell28 Sep 1946Swinton
923Alan Snowden15 Apr 1950Wakefield Trinity
931Geoff Gunney15 Sep 1951Cardiff
941Brian Gabbitas26 Dec 1952Hull
963Billy Langton29 Aug 1955Featherstone Rovers
993Kenny Eyre7 Feb 1959Wakefield Trinity
1006Dennis Hartley4 Feb 1961Castleford
1010Barry Lee30 Aug 1961Halifax
1021Bill Ramsey13 Apr 1962Batley
1084Alan Griffiths8 Mar 1970Keighley
1126Kenny Sykes10 Oct 1971Swinton
1208Graham King13 May 1979Keighley
1238Johnny Wolford27 Sep 1981Halifax
1254Roy Sampson19 Apr 1983York
1256Keith Mitchell21 Apr 1983Rochdale Hornets
1265Chris “Billy” Bowden27 Nov 1983Halifax
1331James Lowes13 Sep 1987Castleford
1360Mick Coyle7 Oct 1990Runcorn Highfield
1361David Brook14 Oct 1990Trafford Borough
1434Steve Pryce21 Aug 1994Leigh