Calls for RFL to honour Wakefield Trinity legend Neil Fox

But fans were shocked when Neil Fox MBE was not among five rugby league stars honoured with a new statue outside Wembley Stadium.

The statue, created by Stephen Winterburn, was unveiled before the Challenge Cup final between Hull KR and Leeds on Saturday.

And it featured all-time greats Eric Ashton, Billy Boston, Martin Offiah, Alex Murphy and Gus Risman.

A panel of journalists, coaches, past players, MPs and fans voted for the quintet.

But Mr Fox was not recognised by the panel despite scoring a phenomenal 6,220 points during his glittering career, mostly for Trinity.

Mr Fox signed for the club in 1955 at the age of 16, and played his last game for Trinity on March 10, 1974.

He scored a record 20 points to help Trinity to Challenge Cup glory against Hull at Wembley in 1960.

And he was among the first six players to be inducted into the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats’ Hall of Fame last year.

Fans took to Twitter to express their shock that Mr Fox had been overlooked by the panel.

Jon Noble said: “How Neil wasn’t on it is beyond belief. Can they add a sixth player?”

Nick Raleigh said: “Neil Fox should be there. A disgrace he wasn’t picked. League’s top points scorer still and done with three point tries.”

And Mark Milson said: “A travesty record points scorer Neil Fox wasn’t chosen. His record will never be beaten.”

The statue, 50 metres from the Bobby Moore Statue, was commissioned by the Rugby League Cares.

An RFL spokesman said six panels voted for players from a long list, which included Mr Fox. Five players were chosen and the list was presented to the RFL Board for approval.