Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah MBE, is the most famous rugby league player the British game has ever produced. A dazzling runner and lethal finisher, he has scored over 500 tries in his career representing Widnes, Wigan, London Broncos and Salford. One of only two players to have won the Lance Todd trophy twice, he has also represented his country, Great Britain with distinction, as well as playing union for the baa baas, England students, Roslyn Park, Bedford and more recently London Wasps.
Not bad for someone who didn’t pick up a rugby ball until he was 11 and had never seen a live rugby league match until he signed for Widnes in 1987 from Rosslyn Park. In an ironic twist Offiah became one of the few southerners to go north to seek his fame and fortune. After winning every honour in the game he returned south to join the London Broncos in 1996, helping to put them, and the game in the south on the sporting map.
He has become the greatest name in the rugby league game through his prowess on the field as well as his appearances off it. A regular guest on all the established sporting and quiz shows he has shown his versatility by appearing in both Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, a feat he is particularly proud of.
More recently martin appeared in the play mothers day at the Lyric theatre Hammersmith were he received favourable reviews from Michael Billington and Nicholas de jongh. He played the lead role of Benny. He is also soon to star in his first feature film (cherps by kolton lee) Martin has be been studying drama since his retirement.
His services to rugby were suitably rewarded when he received the MBE at Buckingham Palace. He has also been awarded an Honorary Fellowship at John Moores University in Liverpool, in recognition of his contribution to the game of rugby. Now that Martin has finally hung up his boots for the last time, he is focusing his efforts on playing an increasing role on television Radio and the stage.’
