William is recognised as the main founder of Club. On the 21st 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.