Karalius was regarded as one of the finest players of his generation

Former St Helens, Widnes and Great Britain loose forward Vince Karalius has died at the age of 76.

He was a Challenge Cup winner with Saints in 1955 and 1961 before moving to Widnes in 1962, guiding them to the trophy in 1964.

"His achievements mark him out as one of the best players of his generation," said Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood.

"Anybody who saw him in action will remember his energetic style."

If a player got past you, you didn't worry because you knew they'd have to get past him next Alex Murphy

His ferocious style of play so impressed the Australian media that they gave him the nickname "the Wild Bull of the Pampas", with one journalist describing him as "a dedicated wrecker of Australian forwards."

In 2005 rugby league legend Alex Murphy picked him as the greatest team-mate he had ever played with.

"If a player got past you, you didn't worry because you knew they'd have to get past him next," said Murphy. "It was like having one of the Kray twins as your best mate, he was that hard."

606: DEBATE One of our games greats, A lion on the field a gentleman off the field wigansfinest

"The whole of the St Helens Club, town and no doubt the rugby league community are saddened at the loss of one of the true legends and gentlemen of the game," said Saints chairman Eamonn McManus.

"Although from Widnes, Vinty was certainly an adopted Saint and was a real integral part of the club in the 1950s. He was synonymous with hard work and an attitude which was everlasting and committed."

Widnes chairman Steve O'Connor added: "When I first started watching Widnes in the mid 70s, Vince Karalius was the coach and everybody acknowledged he was the catalyst for the 20 years of success that came the way of the club.

"Whilst I was in Australia for the recent World Cup his name came up in conversation on several occasions with the Australians recognising that he was one of the greatest players ever to come out of the UK.

"It is a sad day for the rugby league family as we mourn the passing of one of Widnes's favourite sons."

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