News circulating on social media that Bill Ashurst has sadly passed away today. Legendary player with a fierce reputation but off the pitch was the sweetest man you could meet, an absolute gentleman.

RIP Bill.

Sad news. I’m not old enough to remember him but my dad and my best mates dads eyes light up talking about his playing days.

It’s been a really sad few months for the club, with the passing of so many legends.

RIP

One of Wigan's few great stars of the 1970s.

Ran his blood to water in the 1970 Cup Final. Certainly wasn't Bill's fault we lost to Cas that day.

I do remember him headbutting Andy Goodway and getting sent off at Central Park in an early round cup game (was it Runcorn as player coach)?

The King is dead, long live the King. A truly great rugby league player both in England and Australia. RIP Bill.

Can honestly say that he was one of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet. Spoke to him regularly when I lived over in Poolstock. A true gentleman. RIP Bill.

Was at his first game for Penrith in 1974 when he debuted with Mike Stephenson and at the Panthers became a huge fan favourite. In 2006 to celebrate their first 40 years in the NSWRFL Panthers picked a team of club legends that had played in that period with Bill being selected( but not Stevo). A huge mural of the team members was subsequently displayed in the foyer of the Panthers Leagues Club for almost 30 years before being moved to the entrance of the adjacent A$22 Million Academy when it was opened in 2016.

Being here since 1968 I have seen all of the UK players that have played here and Bill was in the top tier. He was the first in Aus to use the round-the -corner goal kicking style which pleased me because in the 50 and 60's I used the same technique when I played Rugby in England. I have him in the team as the best I have seen that have played for Wigan.

RIP Bill. Your song has ended but your melody will linger on.

Sad news indeed. I never saw him play but it's obvious from the way people talk about him that he was a genuinely great player.

I met Bill through work a few years back. He sat in the kitchen here talking about rugby and relaying stories with his wife and daughter patiently sat next to him clearly hearing them for the 100th time! A genuinely nice bloke but with bags of character. I'll treasure the signed copy of his autobiography that he gave me. RIP Bill

This was the only time I saw Bill play.

Outrageous headbutt for no reason. I suspect he was absolutely knackered and wanted a rest.

RIP

IIRC Goodway had picked him up and dumped him. He took exception and followed him into the defensive line after playing the ball. There was footage knocking about of it at one point.

Would love to see some footage of Bill's playing days - is there any about anywhere? RIP Bill.