Career Record for Featherstone
Appearances			Tries	Goals	Drop Goals	Points
Total	Start	Sub
322	319	3	30	455	0	1000

The term 'utility back' was probably invented for Jack Fennell, who was one of the most versatile players ever to play for the club. He was signed as stand-off, made his name as a full-back with 273 appearances and he also had spells both in the centre and in wing positions. He did not appear as scrum-half, but no doubt he could have coped. Put simply, he was such a natural footballer that he could have made a success of any position.

Signed in December l952 from Bagleys Rec's, he made an early senior debut at stand-off on 20 December at home to York and he kicked his first goal in the return encounter at York a week later. Instant success did not follow, particularly when Joe Mullaney was signed in June 1953 and proceeded to play 36 consecutive matches before being injured at Easter 1954. Fennell deputised for him in the last three matches. His versatility emerged in the following season as he played in four different back positions.  Sometimes, however, one can be too versatile and for Jack there was now a need to establish himself in one position other than stand-off. He had had his first outing at full-back at Workington on 21 August 1954 and when he had an early opportunity at the beginning of season 1955/56 to move from wing to full-back, he took it.

From then to the beginning of 1964, he occupied the number 1 spot, his only serious challenger being Gary Cooper, whose distinctive attacking flair from full-back was in contrast to Jack's solid and dependable approach. He lost his place to Cooper from 1958 to 1959 (and, typical of the man, continued to pass on his experience to Cooper). Cooper then switched to centre, where his style was even more prominent but allowed Jack to resume. However, when Cooper reverted to full-back early in 1964, Fennell's senior career was effectively over. He made six appearances in 1964/65, but then called it a day.

Nevertheless, he rewrote the record books during his long stay at the top, and made an immediate start in 1955/56 when he enjoyed his first full season, appearing in 40 of the 41 matches played. In schoolboy and junior football, he had been a prolific goal kicker and resuming those responsibilities with the seniors, he became only the second Rovers player to kick a century of goals. ln the last home game of the season he kicked three goals to reach his century and with 102 goals, broke the club record of 101 set up by the legendary Freddie Miller. He also topped the first 'Player of the Season' award.  Two seasons later, he amassed another century and with 101 goals and four matches left, he was injured at Wakefield which deprived him of extending his record. Another injury at home to Castleford on Boxing Day 1956 halted a record run of 63 consecutive appearances.

He took part in the epic Rugby League Cup campaigns to the semi-finals in 1958, 1960 and 1962, and was also full-back in Rover's Yorkshire Cup final victory in 1959, when Hull were beaten 15-14. In 1962/63, he was awarded a testimonial and responded by playing some of his best football in an outstanding season.  Although Clawson and Fox had taken over the main goal-kicking duties, he added another 42 to his tally and had played in 39 consecutive matches when he was injured at Widnes with five matches remaining.

Many tributes were paid to Fennell, but the most apt appeared in his testimonial programme as follows: 'l have seen Fennell agitated on the football field, but never lose his temper. He has been out of touch but never stopped trying. He has been one of an outclassed team, but has never despaired. It always seemed that a Featherstone jersey compelled him to give of his best. His greatest attribute was a virtue common to all outstanding ball players - his timing. It had to compensate for a lack of inches, a lack of pounds and a comparative lack of pace against fliers, but it seldom failed to make up for all three. How else does he halt the heaviest forward, break through the thickest ruck and stand as a model to all aspiring goal-kickers!  Nor is it without significance that Fennell won back the first-team position from which he was dislodged. Not only did he win it back, but he held it with constantly growing conviction. It all ties up with the characteristics of persistence, courage and modesty which made him such an outstanding club man.' 

He was the supreme utility back. His tackling and positioning were superb and his tackling technique in which he wrapped himself around an opponent, large or small, was amazing. He played and won so many matches for the Rovers and a favourite is the third round RL Cup-tie at Leigh in March 1955. Fennell was a last-minute replacement at stand-off for the injured Joe Mullaney. In a hard fought game littered with penalties, defences dominated an in the first half both Ledgard and Don Fox missed penalty goal attempts. Captain Ken Welburn turned to Fennell, who slotted his first goal over before the interval and following with two more in the second half. With 10 minutes remaining, Rovers led 11-9 and Leigh threw everything into attack.  In a white hot atmosphere, another penalty was awarded to Featherstone in the closing stages and, showing the coolness of a veteran, Jack kicked his fourth goal from four attempts and the game was won. In another thrilling game v Wigan (at home) in September 1955, Rovers were leading 6-3 but under pressure. Within the space of a few minutes, Fennell made two incredible weaving runs through a mesmerised defence and then popped up in the comer to carry Bolton out when a try seemed certain - moments which inspired a 13-6 win.

In his remarkable career, Fennell was described as the 'best full-back never to play for Yorkshire', but his exploits for the Rovers earned him such a special place. He scored exactly 1,000 points, his best tally being 19 points (one try and eight goals) v Hull KR (at home) in Rovers’ 46-5 Yorkshire Cup win over Hull KR on 31 August 1957.  His last game was at Batley on 10 April 1965.

 

Biography by Ron Bailey