Tom Lineham's thumbs up Warrington Wolves try celebration

But in the circumstances, it was fitting and rewarding, as well as being cheeky and comical as most things are when the spotlight's on The Wire's number two and lethal try-scoring Tommy gun.

Just a little wonder over to the west terrace at Headingley and a 'thumbs up' was more symbolic on this occasion than a crazy Henry Fa'afili dance, a pile-on Adrian Morley by teammates or venturing off for a hotdog like a highly excited Nathan Wood once did after a Halliwell Jones Stadium score against bitter rivals Wigan.

A Lineham fist-pump after a spectacular dive into the corner, the sight of Bennie Westwood throwing the ball in the air or Lee Briers leaping the advertising hoardings to sit in the stand and clap his own try have been known too.

Just some of the many memorable Wire try celebrations. Pictures: Mike Boden and Dave Gillespie

Of course, that west terrace at Headingley would normally have been filled with the Wire barmy army of supporters.

But not on Saturday, not in real life anyway – although the number that turned up as cardboard cut-outs to be there in spirit and hand some much-needed revenue to the club for the privilege was a great effort and probably what you'd expect from the passionate Wire faithful.

Instead, Wolves supporters were all decked in primrose and blue with their feet up at home or in pubs roaring and screaming at the action on TV screens due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic forcing matches behind-closed-doors.

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They would all have rather been there, having been denied watching Wolves in the flesh for five months – which is unprecedented. Talk about being starved of something that's in your blood!

So just that little nod to the fans from Tommy would have meant an awful lot to those supporters who were aware at the time, and those who are learning about it now.

On such a momentous day, being able to play rugby league again after everything everybody's been through and continues to do so, for the fans to know they had not been forgotten in the occasion was an act of greatness.

For one thing nobody can be in any doubts about this year following the outbreak of the pandemic, is that sport at the highest level doesn't function without fans – no matter how much owners of clubs in rugby, football, cricket, and so on, may or may not have to throw in the pot.

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They bring the atmosphere, the hero worship, the motivation, the passion, the lift when a team needs it, a sense of belonging, the banter and most importantly the reason to play the game as an elite professional.

It's tough at the moment not being able to sit or stand in the regular spot, chatting and joking with familiar faces, singing the favourite songs with fellow fans, admiring the athleticism, courage and skills of the 26 on the field.

So just that little moment of acknowledgement, thoughtfulness and consideration means a big 'thumbs up' back at you Tommy! Rock on.