AN emotional night will unfold on Friday for all those who loved and admired the great Steve Prescott.

It will begin with a ceremony at the Saints bridge, which is being renamed after the former rugby league player and cancer fighter, who died last November.

The event, which begins at 5.30pm and is expected to last 50 minutes, will include a speech from Steve’s eldest son Taylor (12) beside the footbridge, which links the town centre to Langtree Park.

It will be followed by St Helens versus Hull game – where the two sides who Steve served with such distinction will contest the inaugural Steve Prescott Cup.

Both Steve’s sons will be mascots for the fixture.

A gold-plated boot – the last worn in Steve’s professional career – has been created by St Helens-based Timpsons, and the winner will be decided by the aggregate score of both this season’s league games between the sides.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Saints skipper Paul Wellens said: “Both clubs admire Steve greatly – not just for his playing days but his resilience in his fighting illness.

“I’m sure both sets of supporters will come together on Friday and in future to honour him. It certainly gives added significance to the game.”

Meanwhile, Paul Barrow, 39, one of Steve’s closest friends, said: “I think he would have been proud, but because of how humble he was he would probably have thought he had not done anything to deserve it.

“But I think it is fitting that it will ensure his memory will live on among those two clubs, which he held in such high regard and it shows how deeply they admired him.

“He had so many great friends in St Helens and Hull and so many fond memories, so I believe it is a great tribute.”

Paragon Construction boss Paul, a former Warrington rugby league player, who grew up next door to Steve in Nutgrove, said: “I’m sure it will be an emotional night for the family but also a very proud one.

“Both Steve and his wife Linzi shared a tremendous strength and resilience, something I believe will be passed on to their boys, Taylor and Koby.”

The bridge will remain open during Friday’s ceremony, with the service taking place on land nearby. The public are invited to attend.