Newlove was more than just a player. He was an art form. The most balanced centre (for his size) this country has produced in decades. He possessed a lethal fend, poetically fluid lateral movement and if he got outside his opposite number you could pretty much bank on either a try or a lengthy break.
Prior to his arrival Saints had built up a pretty competitive side but we lacked the kind of cutting edge that turned a tough away game at Castleford into a cakewalk.
Newlove provided that in spades and his presence kick-started our lengthy run of success. His contribution to our first championship was, well ... total.
Ironically, Newlove's arrival also began the Bulls' extended period of dominance. Nickle, Dwyer and Loughlin (plus a truckload of cash) transformed them into a very competitive outfit which was built upon successfully.
That transfer really did crack the competition wide open.
