After lifetime of snobbery, finally some recognition

YESTERDAY, Billy Boston, a hero of rugby league, was knighted. Travelling to the Palace with him and his family, watching the joy on their faces as he became Sir Billy Boston, was my proudest moment as an MP.

- BY JOSH SIMONS, LABOUR MP for MAKERFIELD

This is all about Billy - a kind and humble man, rugby league's greatest ever player, and an icon in our town.

But it's also about the sport and the North. Finally, rugby league has the recognition it deserves, after being discriminated against and belittled by the establishment for far too long.

After 130 years of the sport, Sir Billy Boston is the first rugby league knight ever, following a great campaign nationally and locally.