Career
International honours
Career at Wigan
One of the finest hookers in the game, Bill Sayer enjoyed two long careers, one with Wigan and one with Street Helens. He joined Wigan from Wigan Highfield in 1954 after being invited to play in three trial games - He was signed after just two. As well as showing early promise at Rugby League, Sayer was a useful Boxer and Soccer player.
He made his Wigan debut at Halifax on 4 December 1954 but had to wait until the latter part of 1956-1957 for a regular place when he replaced Mather in the number nine shirt.
Foreign the next seven years, until changed by Colin Clarke, the shirt was virtually his own property. Bill Sayer played hooker in Wigan"s 9–13 victory over Workington Town in the 1958 Challenge Cup final during the 1957-1958 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 10 May 1958.
Sayer returned to Wembley a year later and his confrontation with Hull"s Tommy Harris was much awaited. Each set of fans hailed there hooker as the best in the business.
The following year he went on the Australian tour.
Career at Saint Helens
In 1965 he started his second career with Street Helens. He added to his club honours by collecting two Championship, and a third Challenge Cup-winners medal. His last honour, 12 years after his first, was in the 1970 Championship over Leeds.
County Cup final appearances
Bill Sayer played hooker in Wigan" 8-13 defeat by Oldham in the 1957 Lancashire Cup final during the 1957-1958 season at Station Road, Swinton on Saturday 19 October 1957, played hooker in Saint Helens 2-2 draw with Warrington in the 1967 Lancashire Cup final during the 1967-1968 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 7 October 1967, played hooker in the 13-10 victory over Warrington in the 1967 Lancashire Cup final replay during the 1967-1968 season at Station Road, Swinton on Saturday 2 December 1967, and played hooker in the 30-2 victory over Oldham in the 1968 Lancashire Cup final during the 1968-1969 season at Central Park, Wigan on Friday 25 October 1968.
BBC2 Floodlit Trophy final appearances
Bill Sayer played hooker in Saint Helens" 4-7 defeat by Wigan in the 1968-1969 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy final at Central Park, Wigan on Tuesday 17 December 1968.
