Cult hero Crabtree out to make a splash - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Cult hero Crabtree out to make a splash

By Steve Jancetic 13/11/2009 12:18:49 AM Comments (0)

We've had the crusher, the grapple, the ripper and even the chicken wing - but the Kangaroos have been warned to be on the lookout for a new tackling technique - the Big Daddy Splash.

But before Australian officials start scouring Super League tapes for evidence of the wrestling manoeuvre, they should know that the move hasn't been around for a while, not since the 1970s.

It was the pet knockout weapon employed by Britain's most famous wrestler Big Daddy - who also happens to be the uncle of giant England prop Eorl Crabtree, the man assigned to wreak havoc on the Australian pack in Saturday night's Four Nations final at Elland Road.

"He was huge - he was a very famous household name, he was on TV every Saturday afternoon," Crabtree said of his uncle, who passed away 10 years ago.

"Everyone used to sit down and watch it.

"He's probably the most famous British wrestler that ever lived, he was a famous name in the 70s.

"I probably knew him more as a hero than my actual uncle. That's what I've got memories of, going to town halls, especially around Huddersfield and around here, and watching him wrestle.

"Not many Aussies know about him (but) there's a lot of history, the Crabtree name is fairly popular around here."

But it's not just the memory of Big Daddy - who understandably went for a new moniker after being christened Shirley Crabtree - that is keeping the Crabtree name up in lights, for Eorl Crabtree is developing his own cult following with his flowing blond locks and all or nothing approach.

He's the Fuifui Moimoi of the Super League, with each run greeted by a chorus of shouts from the crowd.

"I play for Huddersfield and come off the bench. It's just what I do and recently I've been having a good impact," Crabtree said.

"It gives you an amazing buzz when the crowd goes mental when you come on.

"From what I hear the Aussie supporters are not quite as loud. That's what I love about it, just trying to come on and lift the team and try and raise the tempo a little bit."

The Australians certainly felt his impact at DW Stadium when the two teams met in the preliminary rounds, with the sheer size of his 197cm 121kg frame making the Kangaroos take notice.

"He's a giant," veteran prop Petero Civoniceva said.

"I thought I was a big man, but if I'd known I would have put the high heels on maybe.

"He's been tremendous for them throughout this tournament and really made a difference in the second half against us.

"He takes some stopping."

Given his impact, what about Crabtree emulating his uncle's deeds in the ring one day. Bigger Daddy perhaps?

"Nah. I don't suit leotards."

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