Curtain comes down on Worsley's LSH career (From St Helens Star)

Curtain comes down on Worsley's LSH career

12:07pm Thursday 31st May 2012 in Rugby Union

LIVERPOOL St Helens’ glorious failure in the play-off at Percy Park brought down the curtain on the career of one of Moss Lane’s longest serving and favourite sons.

Skipper and fly half Simon Worsley was making his last appearance 26 years after arriving at the Lane to play in the mini section aged 6.

For the past 14 years, apart from a one year stint at Preston Grasshoppers, he has been the unchallenged wearer of the number 10 shirt, sharing every minute of LSH’s fluctuating fortunes.

Now 32, Worsley has decided to concentrate on family and business commitments whilst also putting as much as he can back into the club.

He said: “LSH means a lot to me.

“It’s been a massive part of my life and I am proud to have been part of such a great club. “I have met some wonderful people during that time and made friends who will be friends for life.”

Worsley played for the LSH minis and colts and 2nd XV before making his debut in the first team when aged 18, coached by Brian Wellens and playing alongside players such as Tommy Jackson, Dave Lupton and Mark Sephton.

He regards the Sporting Club St Helens era as the most memorable, with Eric Hughes as Head Coach assisted by current Saints head coach Mike Rush when together with scrum half Steve Cook he formed a successful half back partnership in the National Leagues.

The long serving fly half also has great memories of playing with South African International BJ Botha and Saracens prop Petrus Du Plessis as well as local lads Mike Nugent, Mike Hitchen, Phil Kearns, Lee Nevitt, James Cashman and with LSH’s adopted South African Jan Lourens. Above all, however, he considers Sean Casey as the best player he has ever played with.

“He could do everything. I’m glad I never had to play against him,” he said.