DAY 9 of our Great Saints for November – and we take a look at a real flier who graced the flanks at Knowsley Road between 1991-2001.
Anthony Sullivan was a flying machine, but one blessed with a well-balanced running style and a natural swerve.
And of course, he came from exemplary rugby league stock, being the son of the legendary Welsh wing Clive, the last man to skipper Great Britain to a World Cup triumph in 1972.
Saints signed a cheque for £80,000 when they brought the wingman over from Hull KR in 1991.
In those 10 seasons he crossed the whitewash 213 times from 305 outings, but he would really find his feet on the firm grounds after the switch to the summer.
On the end of that famous left-hand gang of Martyn, Joynt and Newlove – Sullivan was prolific in the double winning inaugural Super League season.
It was the start of big things for him and the club, and in his stay he would win two more Super League titles, a trio of Challenge Cup winners medals and was on the flanks when Saints beat Brisbane Broncos.
Of all his tries, one in particularly lives strongly in the memories of the Saints faithful in the JJB away end for the 2000 Super League Qualifying Semi-Final.
It was the week after the Wide to West try, and Saints bounced over to league leaders Wigan in a buoyant mood – but one passage of play was classic Sullivan.
Catching the ball deep in his own half, Sullivan brushed off Brett Dallas before beating the cream of British rugby league’s backline Gary Connolly, Kris Radlinski and Jason Robinson en route to a blistering 80- metre touchdown.
Saints went on to win 54-16 and then polished off the Warriors again at Old Trafford in the Grand Final a fortnight later, with Sullivan adding another winner’s ring to his trophy cabinet.
Sullivan completed his medal collection in 2001 with a World Club Challenge win over Brisbane and then a third Challenge Cup victory over Bradford before turning to rugby union before the end of the season.
A fine player, who thrilled the Knowsley Road faithful.
But for the brainteaser, which rugby union club did Sullivan join on his Saints departure?
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