Profile

Hull FC apps: 356
Hull FC tries: 98
International honours: Great Britain
Hull FC debut: 1970

Mick Crane was, unquestionably, a great player and there is no doubt that if his commitment to the game matched that of his ability, he could have easily have been amongst the outstanding players of his era.

Certainly, there were occasions when he mesmerised opponents with his handling skills and his unpredictability in possession, but he had a habit occasionally of ‘going missing’ from Training, so much so that in December 1977, Hull transferred him to Leeds after failing to turn up for a game at Wigan. He earned a Challenge Cup winners medal in 1978, but the following year, took leave of absence again and Leeds sold him to Hull KR for £9,000 in November 1979. He returned to The Boulevard early in 1981 for the same fee after yet another break from the game.

He took the White Rose Trophy as Man of the Match in the Yorkshire Cup Final against Castleford in 1983 and played twice at Wembley for Hull as well as coming off the bench in the Cup Final Replay at Elland Road in 1982.

Another notable Man of the Match performance came against the Australian ‘Invincibles’ in 1982, when opposing the legendary Ray Price. Several of the Aussie team opined that he was the best footballer they had played against on the tour. Hull listed him again in February 1983, although he came back and played in 40 matches that season. By now, he had indeed learned that a better commitment would bring him wider recognition.

Mick was an enigma, but he was also a brilliant player and he was a firm favourite at Hull during both spells at The Boulevard.