One in a series of articles checking out the careers of Warrington's sporting legends, who take a much deserved place in our Hall of Heroes
How Warrington Guardian broke the story of Jonathan Davies' signing
HAVING joined rivals Widnes for a then record fee of £230,000 four years earlier, Jonathan Davies’ arrival at Wilderspool proved a surprise for many Warrington fans in 1993.
But with cash-hit Widnes needing to offload the Welsh wizard, Wire chairman Peter Higham and his board of directors launched an audacious bid to secure his signature.
Davies’ wages would be funded through a special company sponsorship and a deal for the Wales national team captain was sealed for the 1993/94 campaign.
Jonathan Davies signs for Warrington, watched by vice-chairman Bill Garrett, left, and coach Brian Johnson
Trimsaran-born Davies’ switch from union to league in 1989 had caused quite a stir in his homeland.
Having left education aged 17 over a dispute between playing for his school or Trimsaran Rugby Club, who had supported Davies’ family after the loss of his father Len – a former club captain – to liver cancer, Davies became a painter and decorator and later worked as a miner.
Then, having been rejected by his local club Llanelli, 'Jiffy' began playing for Neath, quickly becoming a star and going on to captain the Wales national team.
Watch a video of Jonathan Davies highlights for the Wales rugby union team, showing why Widnes brought him to the 13-man code
Copping the brunt of media flak after a disastrous tour of New Zealand, followed by defeat to Romania, and, with union still amateur, seeking financial support for his family, Davies opted to move, swapping codes and countries to join Widnes.
Jonathan Davies during his time at Widnes
By the time 'Jiffy' left Naughton Park he had played more than 130 times for the Chemics, scored over 1,000 points and was captain of the reformed Wales RL side.
Brian Johnson’s Warrington side were rejuvenated by Davies’ arrival and in his first season missed out on the championship by the narrowest of margins; on points difference to Wigan and Bradford Northern.
Attendances at Wilderspool had peaked to a 20-year high with crowds clambering to witness the little Welsh wizard's ability to conjure something out of nothing.
Playing largely at centre, Davies finished the campaign as Warrington’s leading scorer with 21 tries and 110 goals, including 11 drop goals.
His outstanding performances led to Davies being crowned rugby league’s Man of Steel, becoming only the second Warrington player after Ken Kelly in 1981 to win the award, while also collecting the First Division Player of the Year title.
And Davies’ international career was also rejuvenated during his time at Wilderspool, with seven Wales appearances being added to by four for Great Britain, memorably scoring the lone try in a win over Australia at Wembley in 1994.
Watch this video of that memorable Jonathan Davies try for Great Britain against Australia
Kicking a drop goal for Great Britain against New Zealand at Wembley, watched by Chris Joynt, Karl Harrison and Martin Dermott
Training with Wales RL squad
On his way to a blistering try for Great Britain against New Zealand at Headingley, chased by Frano Botica, right
Entering the field with Great Britain at Wembley, led by Garry Schofield and followed by Jason Robinson, Paul Newlove and Gary Connolly
Looking for a way past big Joe Vagana at Wembley
He appears in the all-time GB top 10 rugby league try and goal scorers thanks to those efforts.
But Davies injured his shoulder in that match-winning performance, and Warrington were lacking without him. They did reach the Regal Trophy final, however, albeit on a day that Davies was largely marked out of the game by a rampant Wigan side at Huddersfield’s McAlpine Stadium.
But his services to sport would be recognised when he was awarded an MBE.
Davies’ final season in primrose and blue was the 1994/95 campaign, although this would be cut short with injury and the 1995 Centenary World Cup would prove to be his final outing in rugby league.
Davies, who had also fitted in summer spells with Australian sides Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, in 1991, and Newcastle Knights, in ’95, captained Wales to the semi finals.
There they met England, losing 25-10 at Old Trafford, and a return to the newly-professional rugby union soon followed.
It was his wife Karen, who died in 1997, being diagnosed with cancer after the birth of their daughter Geena that saw Davies move back closer to home with Cardiff and briefly playing for Wales again.
A knee injury forced Davies’ retirement, but he slipped seamlessly into punditry, working across both codes in English and Welsh languages and later getting remarried, becoming a father of four.
Jonathan Davies, now a regular pundit with the BBC for both codes of rugby
Some of the greatest moments of Jonathan Davies' playing career, including his time with Warrington, are on this video
And here's a video highlighting some of his great tries just for Warrington Wolves
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here