A HOMESPUN Rugby League star, who never wore a Saints jersey but captained Warrington and Great Britain, has died, after a long illness, aged 69.

Full-back Eric Fraser, who played for the Wilderspool club from 1951 to 1964, passed away at his Penketh home last Thursday. He leaves his wife Phyllis, daughter Janet, grandchildren Emma, Marc, Karl and Jamie, and two step-daughters.

Born in Henry Street, Eric attended Windle Pilkington and Higher Grade schools, worked at BICC, owned a newsagents with his late first wife Ellen, and enlisted in the Royal Navy for National Service.

Standing 6ft and weighing 14 stone, he was also a talented soccer player and had trials with Manchester United, but turned to Rugby League with Brook Street British Legion before signing for the 'Wire.'

Fraser made 352 appearances for Warrington for whom he kicked 473 goals and scored 50 tries, and was unlucky to miss the 1954 Wembley and Championship Finals against Halifax because of injury.

Dark-haired Eric went on to captain Warrington, and was in charge when Saints were beaten 5-4 in the Lancashire Cup Final at Wigan in 1959.

On a representative note he earned 16 Test caps, toured Australia and New Zealand in 1958 and 1962, and became the first Warrington player to skipper Great Britain, which he did on four occasions.

Fraser's greatest moment arrived on the first tour in kicking five goals in the Lions' 25-18 'Rorke's Drift' Test victory in Brisbane, when captain Alan Prescott stayed on the field despite breaking his arm in the third minute.

Said all-time great Alex Murphy: "Eric Fraser was a tremendous player both in defence and attack. He was also a thorough gentleman who had a good word for everyone."

Many Rugby League personalities attended the funeral at St Mary's Church, Penketh, yesterday (Wednesday).