PETER Riley, rated by many rugby critics as the best uncapped scrum-half ever to play for Leigh, has died aged 90.

The man whose playing skills earned him a place in the Leigh RL Hall of Fame, signed for Leigh in 1938 from Tyldesley Rugby Union Club.

Fierce competition for the half-back role at international level denied him the honour of playing for his country, but he was twice capped for Lancashire and was in the British 'Select' line-up which toured France in 1946.

The second world-war interrupted his playing career when he served in the Navy but after demob and until Leigh RLFC reformed after the war, he made guest appearances for Belle Vue Rangers (formerly Broughton Rangers).

Renowned for his toughness and durability the former Council road worker and miner teamed-up with stand-off Jimmy Rowe and played in 160 of Leigh's 173 games in the first four seasons following the end of the war years. In total he played 246 games for Leigh and after his benefit season in 1950 he finished his career playing at Keighley.

He grew-up in Leigh with his elder brother Tommy and sisters Nellie and Pat. Pat is now 80 and still lives in the town where Peter Riley's RL legacy continued long after he retired from the game. His nephew, sister Nellie's son, John Woods, went on to become one of Leigh's most famous players and a Great Britain international.

Peter Riley died in his sleep last Wednesday evening at his son Stephen's home in the Bedford area of Leigh. A widower he also leaves three daughters, Kathleen, Patricia and Pamela.

A service will be held tomorrow (Friday) at Sacred Heart RC Church, Leigh followed by committal at Howe Bridge Crematorium.