after his first few games as a full back, fans were prepared to throw him to the wolves... Shane McNally realised his error and put him back in the three-quarters, where he flourished and became a highly valued and talented member of the team and community... and a really nice guy to boot. His career at Trinity was noteworthy, but by no means one of the club's 'greats'.

he does, however, seem to have developed into a fine coach, a matter that is attracting lots of attention here in Aus. I would suggest he is worth listening to for that facet of his life alone.

Would be nice to see him welcomed back at trinity during his visit to the UK... not as a icon but an integral and important part of Trinity's history

*post deleted. No need*

Somebody has had too many shandy's!!!

People have different views, it's a forum where people share them for heavens sake and I'm sure people will make up their own minds.

As for JD he gave his all for our great club on the field and was a real ambassador off it, you couldn't really ask anymore of any player and I will always remember him with with a great deal of respect. Players who let down the club with their off field antics are soon forgotten, the good guys certainly aren't.

Agree, good summary.

"Integral and important part of Trinity's history"

That works for me.

And people have been knighted for less

Jeez, I don't get the knockers here. JD was a great player, captain, ambassador and human being. That he wore Adams shirt for a year was astounding. He is also one of only two players to make the dream team - iirc - which marks him out as a modern great for me.
We've had better players come and go, but no one who represented us and related to us like he did.
I'm not ashamed to say that I am a massive fan!

He wasn't one of the greats playing wise, but his attitude for the club speaks volumes.

His never say die attitude in 2006, was summed up in 3. His run out of the in goal area at Bradford, his try in the do or die game against Cas, because up until that moment we were looking like a beaten side. Finally, he did an interview either during the run we went on under Kear, or shortly afterwards, he said, he was so nervous before games in that run in, as he felt he owed it to the club for them to survive, that pre match he was physically sick in the dressing room.

He wasn't an Aussie that came over on the back of a few years in the NRL, wanting a big salary, and then throwing his teddy out like some, when they missed the sunshine. No, he came over on holiday, as a student I believe, and played a few games at I think Blackpool, or someone like that, and worked hard and gradually improved as a player, eventually moving onto Widnes, then us.

He is now earning his coaching stripes in Australia, and doing very well. I am happy with Chester as coach, but if he wasn't, he would be top of my list.

Finally yes, decent bloke to boot.

Wakefield all time legend maybe not, but during my time of watching Trinity from 1980 onwards, definately.

Not sure if Ellis ever made it as a Wakey player but Domic and Solomona to add to JD.

He did, just before he left. So 4 in 18 seasons! Well remembered!

Trinity Dream Team squad members;

2003 - Gareth Ellis
2004 - Sid Domic
2004 - David Solomona
2007 - Jason Demetriou
2013 - Danny Kirmond

Any advance on 5! It's a good job I'm not the historian!

That's yer lot

Phew!

My point still stands. 5 in 18 years shows how hard it is to stand out!

Who the hells knocking him? Or do we all have to share your and Cosmicat adoration.

I know you didn't mean it quite like that but steady on or perhaps you also want to call me a pr idk for not loving JD? - also aren't you the one who used to say JD's head went down to easy for a Captain?

Any way why can't you not like a player as much as others do without being bagged - so long as you're respectful what's the problem?

JD is not one of the best players we've had, but he was certainly the player we needed at that time.

This. I liked him because unlike many others -imports or otherwise - he undoubtedly had a genuine feeling for the club.

Perfect assesment.
In his favour he was also a great bloke to talk to and still has passion for Wakefield Trinity.
Legend, no but a proper Trinity bloke, maybe yes.

Is he a legend in the same way Neil Fox or Derek Turner are legends? Absolutely not.

Is a he a 'legend' in the same way Johnny Thompson is.........for me yes.
He's not a legend of rugby league, or even Super League, but he is an integral part of the epic story of Wakefield Trinity.
When we needed a leader, he was it. And that for me doesn't make him a legend, it makes him a key part of the legendary story.

Still wouldn't go as far as JT, come on 6 years versus 30+ - seriously

Nigel Bell maybe tops JD in the post 60's period. But I think JD tops JT

JT's status is really only based on longevity of service. This is fair enough.
JD was, albeit for a short period, a top Super League player wearing a Wakefield shirt alongside probably the best side we've had in the last 20 years.

Comparable things to remember:-

JD: Late try away at Hull 2004 playoff. Never say die try at home to Cas in £1k game. Control of Paul Newlove away v Cas 2004, Playing with major neck injury.

JT: Been at club ages. Comes from Eastmoor. Got sent off v Aussies. Likes it hard quote.

I just don't see the need to knock those who do admire him. Yes, his head did go down at times as he felt it like we did, but I would choose him as captain anytime.

I don't call folk that on here for having a different opinion!

That's exactly my point. You are judging Johnny on other things besides rugby ability yet you call out those that do the same about JD

You're forgetting that he's the only one who's allowed to do that.

No I'm giving some perspective. And seeing as you and a few others can't be bothered to read the thread, all I ever asked was 'why' people think he's a legend - have not given my own opinion.

Maybe we read too much into the why?

.....but the "let's not kid ourselves over his importance" implies you think he is less important than those posting.

It doesn't matter to me. I'm just answering your question of why people think you gave an opinion.