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http://www.widnesvikings.co.uk/view_news.php?ID=359
Vincent Karalius RIP
Tributes have been paid to former Great Britain Rugby League international Vince Karalius following the sad news of his death. RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood said: "Everybody at the RFL is tremendously saddened to hear of the death of Vince Karalius.
"Vince enjoyed a highly successful career at international level and domestically with the St Helens and Widnes clubs. He was widely respected by both team mates and opponents in both hemispheres and was well known as a player who approached the game with fierce determination and total commitment".
Wood added, "That brought him many honours in the sport. Vince appeared twelve times for Great Britain and, among many other trophies, was a Championship and Challenge Cup winner.
"His achievements mark him out as one of the best players of his generation and anybody who saw him in action will remember his energetic style.
"Vince also contributed a great deal to Rugby League as a coach and was highly successful when he took charge of the Widnes club and lead them to a Wembley victory.
"We would like to send our deepest condolences and very best wishes to his family and friends at this time of great sadness".
Vikings' Chairman Steve O'Connor added, "When I first started watching Widnes in the mid 70s, Vince Karalius was the coach and everybody acknowledged that 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' favourite sons
http://www.saintsrlfc.com/news/1430
News
Vinty Karalius 1932-2008
13th Dec 2008, 12:33pm
Saints are saddened to report that one of the true legends of the game, Vinty Karalius, has passed away.
Born in Widnes on October 15, 1932, he joined the Saints in 1951 and made 252 appearances, scoring 42 tries in a career spanning more than ten years.
Predominantly a loose forward, Vinty made his debut against Warrington in the 13 to 5 points home victory on the April 2 1952.
A fitness fanatic at 6 feet and 14 stones he was to become the complete loose forward and one of the game's all time greats.
As his career progressed Vinty acquired a reputation as a brutal tackler - especially as he refined his world famous 'bear-hug' tackle.
He was part of the Saints sides that won the Lancashire Cup Finals in 1953, 1960 and 1961, the Challenge Cup in 1955 and 1961 and the 1959 Championship Final.
He also toured with GB in 1958, and in all played 10 times for GB and five for Lancashire.
His final match for the Club was against Leeds on January 13, 1962.
He then moved to Widnes and led it to Wembley success in the 1964 Challenge Cup Final.
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.
He was a most worthy captain of the Saints and his loss is a sad day for the club.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
one word---LEGEND
Vincent Karalius RIP
Tributes have been paid to former Great Britain Rugby League international Vince Karalius following the sad news of his death. RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood said: "Everybody at the RFL is tremendously saddened to hear of the death of Vince Karalius.
"Vince enjoyed a highly successful career at international level and domestically with the St Helens and Widnes clubs. He was widely respected by both team mates and opponents in both hemispheres and was well known as a player who approached the game with fierce determination and total commitment".
Wood added, "That brought him many honours in the sport. Vince appeared twelve times for Great Britain and, among many other trophies, was a Championship and Challenge Cup winner.
"His achievements mark him out as one of the best players of his generation and anybody who saw him in action will remember his energetic style.
"Vince also contributed a great deal to Rugby League as a coach and was highly successful when he took charge of the Widnes club and lead them to a Wembley victory.
"We would like to send our deepest condolences and very best wishes to his family and friends at this time of great sadness".
Vikings' Chairman Steve O'Connor added, "When I first started watching Widnes in the mid 70s, Vince Karalius was the coach and everybody acknowledged that 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' favourite sons
http://www.saintsrlfc.com/news/1430
News
Vinty Karalius 1932-2008
13th Dec 2008, 12:33pm
Saints are saddened to report that one of the true legends of the game, Vinty Karalius, has passed away.Born in Widnes on October 15, 1932, he joined the Saints in 1951 and made 252 appearances, scoring 42 tries in a career spanning more than ten years.
Predominantly a loose forward, Vinty made his debut against Warrington in the 13 to 5 points home victory on the April 2 1952.
A fitness fanatic at 6 feet and 14 stones he was to become the complete loose forward and one of the game's all time greats.
As his career progressed Vinty acquired a reputation as a brutal tackler - especially as he refined his world famous 'bear-hug' tackle.
He was part of the Saints sides that won the Lancashire Cup Finals in 1953, 1960 and 1961, the Challenge Cup in 1955 and 1961 and the 1959 Championship Final.
He also toured with GB in 1958, and in all played 10 times for GB and five for Lancashire.
His final match for the Club was against Leeds on January 13, 1962.
He then moved to Widnes and led it to Wembley success in the 1964 Challenge Cup Final.
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.
He was a most worthy captain of the Saints and his loss is a sad day for the club.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
one word---LEGEND
