BOB Jackson returned home to Australia this week as the 50th member of the Warrington Wolves Players’ Association Hall of Fame – and a kitbag full of memories to treasure.

The 55-year-old was in the eighth day of his holiday when Association chairman George Thornton surprised him with induction to an elite club of Wolves legends after The Wire’s 52-18 win against Leeds Rhinos on Friday night.

It capped an emotional occasion for the ex-Warrington forward, who at half time had received – along with 1986 Premiership Trophy winning teammates – a standing ovation from the 10,000-strong crowd.

Thornton said: “I was very proud to induct him and Ken Kelly, one of his former club captains and a Hall of Fame member himself, was there to welcome him and present him with his certificate.

“It is more than well deserved for Bob. The mark of the man was clear to see when he joined his 1986 teammates in a parade of the Premiership Trophy round the Halliwell Jones Stadium at half time on Friday. He ended up so far behind everyone else because everyone wanted to shake his hand.

“I think he was overwhelmed by it all. He is the fourth Australian to be inducted, along with Bill Shankland, Brian Bevan and Harry Bath. That’s some company he is keeping!”

For "Jacko", who made guest appearances at amateur club matches in the town and various functions during his 10-day break, it was an opportunity to visit his daughter Rebecca, meet his grandson Brandon, catch up with old teammates and friends as well as to finally thank fans for the support given to him during his seasons in primrose and blue between 1984 and 1994.

He wrote on Facebook while sitting in Doha Airport waiting for the connect flight to Sydney on Monday: “I never got the chance to say goodbye to the Warrington community as I cracked two vertebrae in my neck and at 34 decided against the operation, which I now regret.

“So the 30-year celebration, the walk around at half time, the presentation, the invites to speak and present, the beers I had with all my friends and ex-teammates, the fuss that I got – even the weather – was great.

“Been a bit overwhelming at times but I just had the perfect visit. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Love you Warrington! xxx”

Jackson, who worked as a binman, as a bouncer and ran the Bewsey Tavern during stages of his life in Warrington, made 228 appearances for The Wire in 10 seasons, scoring 41 tries and kicking eight goals.

A rugged forward, with a high work rate and passionate commitment to the team, he joined the club from Fulham after starting his career in Australia with Penrith.

Jackson is renowned for his place in one of Warrington’s all-time greatest front rows, alongside fellow prop Les Boyd and hooker Kevin Tamati.

As well as the Premiership Trophy success at Elland Road in 1986, Jackson was acting captain in the 8-0 loss to Wigan in the following season’s first Premiership Trophy Final to be staged at Old Trafford.

In 1989-90 he crossed for two crucial tries in a man-of-the-match display as The Wire defeated Oldham to win the Lancashire Cup at Knowsley Road, St Helens, and was a member of the Warrington team that made its first appearance at Wembley for 15 years when facing Wigan in the Challenge Cup Final.

Although "Jacko" is now back in Quakers Hill, Sydney, with his Warringtonian wife Dani, the past fortnight has proved the man’s efforts for the primrose and blue cause have never been forgotten – and never will be.