On this day: Wests Tigers and Wigan legend Pat Richards was born
On this day, February 27, Wests Tigers and Wigan legend Pat Richards was born.
Born in Liverpool, Australia, Richards was born to Irish parents and would go on to make more than 350 professional career appearances in the sport.
Richards made his professional debut for Parramatta Eels in 2000, going on to make 37 appearances for the club. He would miss their 2001 Grand Final appearance due to a broken leg, and would join Wests Tigers for the 2004 campaign.
In 2005, Richards scored a club record 20 tries during the season. One of his most memorable moments in the NRL came at the 2005 Grand Final, with Benji Marshall’s flick-pass assisting the winger to score. The Tigers went on to beat North Queensland Cowboys 30-16 to lift the title.
It's Pat Richards' birthday today – but as if we need a special reason to re-live THAT try! 😍😍#9WWOS #NRL pic.twitter.com/ggNM52WaWu
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) February 26, 2022
Super League switch
Richards signed with Wigan initially on a two-year deal for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. He would of course extend that stay for eight seasons, becoming one of the best kickers in the competition.
He was named the 2010 Man of Steel, and became the first Australian player to score more than 1,000 points for Wigan.
On 27 February 2010, Richards scored five tries and kicked nine goals against Catalans. His 38 points was the most in one match for a Wigan player in the Super League era.
He won Grand Finals with Wigan in 2010 and 2013 and the Challenge Cup in 2011 and 2013.
Richards would go on to score 2,300 points in over 200 appearances for the Warriors.
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Joe Shorrocks on working under Sean O’Loughlin, Wigan’s bond & learning from 2021
Pat Richards was one talented kicker 🍒⚪
One of the best Drop Goals Super League has ever seen… saved for the Derby! pic.twitter.com/ibjGMdJ7wh
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 18, 2018
NRL return
The winger returned to Australia with Wests Tigers on a two-year deal ahead of the 2014 season. During his second stint, Richards became the first Australian player in the modern era to kick 1000 goals
For the Tigers, he would become their fourth-highest points scorer with 446.
Catalans Dragons
Pat Richards would finish his career back in the Super League, this time with Catalans in 2016. He made 21 appearances and scored 188 points for the club before announcing his retirement from the sport at the end of that season.
Ireland
Richards made himself available to Ireland during the 2008 season. He went on to feature in the World Cup that year.
He would also feature in all three games in their 2013 tournament in England and France.
🔥 Pat Richards holds the record for the most points scored in a single Super League season with 434. #rugbyleague pic.twitter.com/SBWSWBCZky
— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) April 25, 2020