WARRINGTON'S rugby league fraternity are mourning the loss of two tough ex-Wire forwards this week.

Harry Major and Joe Price died on Saturday - Harry after a stroke and Joe after a long illness.

Ex-back row forward Major, aged 68, of Great Sankey, scored 15 tries in 150 appearances for Warrington between 1957 and 1962.

He was a member of Warrington's 1959/60 Lancashire Cup winning side and the team that lost in the 1961 Championship final.

Hooker or prop forward Price, aged 60, pulled on the primrose and blue colours 175 times between 1965 and 1977.

Price gained one winner's medal in the Captain Morgan Trophy in 1973/74 but also lost in Lancashire Cup and Premiership Trophy finals with Warrington.

The chairman of Warrington Past Players' Association, George Thornton, said: "Harry was a tough player but a good footballer who knew the game inside out.

"Joe was a hard man on the field but fantastic for team spirit off it.

"Both were great servants for Warrington and we're sad to have lost them both."

Joe's funeral will take place tomorrow, Friday, at St Edwards RC Church in Scott Lane, Wigan (behind the fire station opposite the JJB Stadium), at 10.30am.