SAINTS packman Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook thanked the 4,125 fans who turned out in the cold, foggy conditions to support his testimonial game against London Broncos.
And he received a few pats on the back from the coaches of both sides in yesterday’s game at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
The popular Londoner, who begins his tenth season in the red vee, was given a guard of honour by both teams as he walked out on to the pitch holding his two young twins and followed by his two older children.
After the game McCarthy-Scarsbrook reflected: “I look back now and think if I had not chosen the right path I could have been somewhere totally different.
“It is fate that I ended up here.”
Having won two Super League rings with Saints in those 10 years, McCarthy-Scarsbrook is keen to add to that collection and is relishing the year ahead under new boss Kristian Woolf.
“We have laid down some good foundations in this pre-season and although every team wants to win silverware – we have a good opportunity to go one step further this year, in the Challenge Cup too.
“Plus we have the World Club Challenge, however, it is round one that we are focusing on and just want to get off to a good start in the Super League,” he said.
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The Londoner earned a glowing tribute from the Saints boss after the game.
“You end up at a club like St Helens because you are a good player, obviously,” Woolf said.
“You only stay for 274 games in 10 years if you are not only a really good player, but also a really good person to have around the place and that is what Louie is.
“In my short time here I have said a number of times that he has got a terrific ability to still enjoy his footy, but that does not interfere with his ability to work hard and lead the youngsters as well.
“He is extremely valuable for the club and a good person to have here and that is why he has been here so long.”
The London boss Danny Ward, who played in the pack with McCarthy-Scarsbrook with Harlequins, gave his former teammate a big pat on the back for what he has achieved.
He said: “Me and Louie go back a long way since his time at London. It is great to see how he has progressed from his time at Quins.
“It is a credit to him. Not many can have a career like that and win silverware. He is a top bloke and it is nice of him to invite us up and share it with London.
“He remembers where he came from and to play against him in his testimonial game was a privilege for us.
“I am pleased for Louie. I hope he has a fantastic testimonial year and wins the Grand Final and the Challenge Cup to go with it.”
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