FORMER Saints captain Harry Pinner is launching his autobiography ‘A Born Leader’ at the Central Library, [Local History Library room] Victoria Square in St. Helens on Wednesday 7 December, from 2-4pm [2pm start].

Pinner was one of the great loose forwards of the 1980s – a master of his craft, whose defence-splitting passes lit up an era when the ‘biff’ was still an integral part of rugby league.

Professional players had to be tough to survive, never mind prosper. Yet, in this often unforgiving sporting environment, he became an inspirational captain at both club and international level, primarily with St Helens and Great Britain.

He was undoubtedly born to lead.

His book, published by London League Publications, describes some of the marvellous high points in Pinner’s career: playing a leading role in rebuilding St Helens RFC into a team capable of challenging for major honours in the 1980s stands out as a fabulous achievement.

His Great Britain team also did much to regain self-respect in the international arena after a terrific three-match series against New Zealand in 1985.

There were also the pressures of balancing rugby league with his other career as a publican and family life, together with the disappointment of leaving his home-town team after over 300 matches in the famous red vee.

He subsequently played for Widnes, Leigh, Bradford Northern and Carlisle There will be guest speakers at the launch, an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the book and the Lancashire Cup will be on display. Rugby league personalities and ight refreshments will also be available.

If you would like to attend, you can confirm your place by contacting St. Helens Central Library on 01744 676594 Pinner will also be signing copies of his book at Wardleworth’s bookshop, Westfield Street, St. Helens on Saturday, 3 December from 10.30am to 1pm.

We have two copies of A Born Leader to give away.

Simply answer this question.

Which team did Saints defeat when Harry Pinner won the Harry Sunderland award?

Email your answer, plus your name and address to mike.critchley@sthelens.star.co.uk, deadline for entries is December 8.