HAPPY Days! This week’s #ThrowbackThursday throws up a genuine pictorial pearl showing a group of Saints fans at Wembley for 1978 Challenge Cup Final.
The then traditional homemade banner – from the self-deprecating St Helens Nurds - captures the times and the essence of old days at perfectly.
It is a reference that links Saints’ team with the American TV series Happy Days, which was hugely popular at the time.
The Cunningham reference is not simply a nod to Richie, who vied with Henry Winkler’s Fonzie character as the leads.
But his namesake Eddie Cunningham was also a fan favourite in the Saints side – and that year had switched from centre to second row in the absence of Eric Chisnall.
Cunningham may have been cool, but The Fonz – with his trademark leather jacket – would steal the show.
As for the game itself, it started well with Saints taking a 10-0 with tries from Graham Liptrot and Bill Francis, but alas Leeds fought back to retain the Challenge Cup with a 14-12 victory.
But where are the St Helens Nurds now? And do you recognise yourself or anyone on the picture.
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