Graham Walters, a member of the Black & Whites eye-catching squad of the early 1980s, will take part in the Black & Whites’ AA Jones Legends Parade ahead of kick-off on Saturday.
Hull FC’s club historian Bill Dalton looks back on his career…
Graham Walters was born in Carmarthen, Wales in 1953 and joined the Welsh Guards as a boy rising to the rank of Junior Sergeant Major.
He developed into a PTI instructor and achieved Judo Black Belt status. Army service saw him develop into a marksman with all weapons and he was assigned as a sniper before joining the SAS, seeing service in Northern Ireland, Belize and Cyprus.
His rugby career blossomed as a centre with the Guards, British Army and Swansea, and Hull FC’s attention was drawn to during the pre-season of 1979-80.
He made his debut for the Airlie Birds on 30th September 1979 in a Yorkshire Cup tie against Huddersfield, scoring two tries in a 34-2 victory.
He stayed in the first-team set-up and was Hull’s right centre against Hull KR in the Wembley Challenge Cup Final in May 1980.
Along the way, he gained a well-earned reputation as a no-nonsense player who took no prisoners and he was sent off in the cup semi-final against Widnes, along with Brian Hogan of Widnes – very definitely two blokes no-one would wish to get on the wrong side of! His tough approach earned him three ‘early baths’ during his Hull career.
He gained selection for his native Wales whilst at the Boulevard and again when he played for Bridgend in 1984.
His Hull career embraced 47 appearances and he recorded 19 tries, before a transfer to Wakefield Trinity in 1982-83. He later joined the fledgling Cardiff Blue Dragons, although their existence was short-lived, finishing their time in Rugby League as Bridgend.
Graham was a very popular character during his stay with Hull FC and his tough style of play was much appreciated by supporters as every other team in those days were trying to knock Hull FC off their perch!
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