ONE of Great Britain's all-time greats and a legendary character in the game.

He was the only captain to lead three different clubs to Challenge Cup success at Wembley, one of them being Warrington in 1974.

Murph was brought to Warrington as player coach by chairman Ossie Davies in 1971 and it was the spark to let the good times roll.

His arrival at Wilderspool came only three days after steering Leigh to a shock Challenge Cup final win over Leeds at Wembley. He did the same for Warrington in an all-conquering 1973/74 season in which Wire swept the board with trophy success.

There was a return to Wembley in 1975 with Murphy as coach but on that occasion Wire were defeated by Widnes.

During that year the Wire chief was in charge of Lancashire for the 1975 World Championship.

On leaving Warrington Murphy took on the coaching reins at Wigan and St. Helens and he also took the helm for Lancashire. His last coaching success was with Huddersfield, who won the inaugural third division championship under him.

Murphy returned to Wilderspool in 1996 as a partnership with coach John Dorahy.

Murphy held the role of rugby football executive for two seasons. Murphy, who was in the initial 10-strong RFL Hall of Fame, became the fourth Rugby League man to receive the OBE.

All together Murphy, who turned professional on his 16th birthday with St. Helens in 1956, played 27 times for his country and scored 16 tries.