Arthur Daniels
Arthur Daniels | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire, Wales |
| Died | October 4, 2001 (aged 79) |
| Occupation | Rugby league player |
| Years active | 1945–1957 |
| Known for | Playing for Halifax, Wales national rugby league team, and Great Britain national rugby league team |
Arthur Harper Daniels (12 September 1922 – 4 October 2001) was a professional rugby league player from Wales.
Originating from Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire, Daniels commenced his rugby league journey in 1945 with Halifax after successful trials alongside two fellow Welsh athletes from the Llanelli region. Operating primarily as a , his early development was interrupted due to military obligations. By 1949, following marked advancement, he established himself as an essential member of the Halifax squad.
In 1950, Daniels was selected for the Great Britain tour of Australasia but had to withdraw prematurely because of injury prior to the initial test match. Throughout his career, he represented Wales on 13 occasions, crossing the try-line nine times.
During the 1952/53 season, Daniels served as captain for Halifax; however, injuries restricted his appearances. He suffered a fractured ankle during the Second Test against Australia and later endured a broken arm on Christmas Day in 1952, both significantly limiting his playing time that season.
His club career included two appearances in the Challenge Cup Final held at Wembley. In 1954, Halifax drew against Warrington, with the subsequent replay at Odsal ending in defeat despite Daniels having a try disallowed. His second final at Wembley came in 1956 when Halifax were defeated by St. Helens.
International honours
Between 1949 and 1953, Daniels won 13 caps representing Wales, and from 1952 to 1955, he earned 3 caps for Great Britain, all while playing with Halifax.
Challenge Cup Final appearances
Daniels featured as a winger in Halifax's 4–8 defeat by Warrington during the 1954 Challenge Cup Final replay held at Odsal Stadium, Bradford, witnessed by a record crowd exceeding 102,575 spectators.
Career highlight
Daniels regarded his performance in the First Test of the 1952 series against Australia at Headingley as his career highlight, where he scored his inaugural test try contributing to a 19–6 triumph.
Bradford and retirement
The 1956–57 season was Daniels' last with Halifax before a short tenure at Bradford Northern preceded his retirement. After retiring from playing, he managed various enterprises including a pub near Halifax and later operated a newsagent shop in Swansea, eventually settling in Neath.
Honoured at Halifax
Arthur Daniels has been inducted into the Halifax Hall of Fame.