Profile

Herman Hilton was one of the greatest forwards ever to play for Oldham RLFC.

A local man, he joined the club from the local “Healey Street” team in November 1913, making his senior debut on December 15th against Leeds at Watersheddings.

In his younger days he was a vigorous, robust player with a deceptive turn of speed and capable of crunching tackles. As he matured he would go on to become a fine loose or second row forward, excelling in both the domestic and international arenas. In later years the bulkier Hilton would fill in at prop forward, but retained the skills and fitness to still shine in the back row when required.

Selected for the 1920 tour, he enjoyed a marvellous trip and is probably the Oldham player to make the biggest impact “Down Under”.

Herman played in all six tests, scoring two tries, in the “Ashes” winning third Australian match in Sydney and adding a further score in the second Kiwi test, in Christchurch. His personal favourite international appearance came in the match that decided the “Ashes” once again, when the Kangaroos of 1921-22 came to Britain. This was the third test at Salford on January 14th, 1922. A bruising encounter which the “Lions” won 6 – 0. Herman was again on the score sheet, taking a pass from the “prince of centres”, Harold Wagstaff to dive over, taking two Australians with him as he crossed the line.

In 1924-25 having played prop for most of the season he was reinstated at loose forward to great effect and from that position captained the team to success in the Challenge Cup final against Hull K.R. He then suffered a serious illness in the close season and, although attempting a short comeback, he decided to call it a day, having played his last match in November 1925, against Wigan.