Wakefield mourn passing of Les Chamberlain

Wakefield Wildcats have revealed that one of their great players, Les Chamberlain, passed away on Monday this week.

The 81-year-old has endured health problems for many years.

Chamberlain joined Trinity in 1955, and played for them in the early 1960s ‘Glory Years’. He played predominately in the back row to begin with, but would also feature at prop.

He won a Challenge Cup winners’ medal in 1960, when Trinity beat Hull FC at Wembley.

In total, he picked up five winners’ medals at Trinity, with two Yorkshire League and two Yorkshire Cup medals joining his Challenge Cup honour.

After leaving Wakefield, Chamberlain also played for Bramley, Hull KR and Leeds, where he played in another Yorkshire Cup final, this time losing to his former team-mates at Trinity.

A full obituary appears on the official Wakefield Wildcats site.

“The club lost another of its favourite sons this week with the passing of former player, Les Chamberlain, on Monday evening. He was 81 years ago and had been suffering ill health for many years,” a club statement reads.

“On behalf of everyone connected with the club, we would like to send our deepest sympathies to Les’ family and friends at this sad time.”