Perfect assesment.
In his favour he was also a great bloke to talk to and still has passion for Wakefield Trinity.
Legend, no but a proper Trinity bloke, maybe yes.

Is he a legend in the same way Neil Fox or Derek Turner are legends? Absolutely not.

Is a he a 'legend' in the same way Johnny Thompson is.........for me yes.
He's not a legend of rugby league, or even Super League, but he is an integral part of the epic story of Wakefield Trinity.
When we needed a leader, he was it. And that for me doesn't make him a legend, it makes him a key part of the legendary story.

Still wouldn't go as far as JT, come on 6 years versus 30+ - seriously

Nigel Bell maybe tops JD in the post 60's period. But I think JD tops JT

JT's status is really only based on longevity of service. This is fair enough.
JD was, albeit for a short period, a top Super League player wearing a Wakefield shirt alongside probably the best side we've had in the last 20 years.

Comparable things to remember:-

JD: Late try away at Hull 2004 playoff. Never say die try at home to Cas in £1k game. Control of Paul Newlove away v Cas 2004, Playing with major neck injury.

JT: Been at club ages. Comes from Eastmoor. Got sent off v Aussies. Likes it hard quote.

I just don't see the need to knock those who do admire him. Yes, his head did go down at times as he felt it like we did, but I would choose him as captain anytime.

I don't call folk that on here for having a different opinion!

That's exactly my point. You are judging Johnny on other things besides rugby ability yet you call out those that do the same about JD

You're forgetting that he's the only one who's allowed to do that.

No I'm giving some perspective. And seeing as you and a few others can't be bothered to read the thread, all I ever asked was 'why' people think he's a legend - have not given my own opinion.

Maybe we read too much into the why?

.....but the "let's not kid ourselves over his importance" implies you think he is less important than those posting.

It doesn't matter to me. I'm just answering your question of why people think you gave an opinion.

Many people have already covered why JD is a trinity great
But one of my personal reasons for regarding him so highly is simply that he stayed with us when he could have moved on to a bigger club when he was at his playing height

The offers were there but he remained loyal to us, that is the rarest commodity for wakefield trinity

He is one of a very small number of wakey players that hasn't just left the moment he had a better offer

To add to that, he stayed because "We" needed him, not because "He" needed us.

No - why YOU think he is a great, not everybody does - I will now state I don't and a number of others don't but hey who are we.

'Greatness' and 'legend' and words of that ilk are over-used these days; largely because the young seem intent on distilling the English language down to words of one syllable - they don't even actually say 'legend' any more - just 'lej.' It's totes ridic!

That aside - I guess it's all relative, and it's certainly subjective when applied to a sportsman; it's indisputable however that JD was an honest, hardworking lad who gave of his best in service to our club - he certainly wasn't the best player in the team, but he was probably the best team player. And he did seem to have genuine affection for the club and the City, which he has maintained an interest in ever since. Can't ask for much more really, and for all of that, he deserves respect and admiration - which I think is pretty universal?

I refer you back to my original post on why I think he is a legend

Superbly put.
Represented this club with pride and dignity in very difficult circumstances and still shows interest in our progress after leaving.
A top club captain and a top bloke, deserves every accolade bestowed upon him.
(the only Trinity player in the 2007 dream team)

Players like JD, Kirmo, Gareth Ellis, they are amongst my most respected as they are fine examples of people who have applied themselves to make the very best of their talent. I would choose these ahead of many more who have the talent but have somehow not reached the heights with it.

As someone who has been a fan since 2006, I would have to say that in that time JD is the biggest "legend" we've had (which probably says more about the completely insane turnover of players we've had).

Dunno I think Danny Kirmond has to be getting there, just a shame he hasn't played to his highest level apart from a couple of seasons, but still as a clubman and captain he's been great.

If its from 2006 then in terms of pure talent which is what matters to me (so long as it comes with effort) then Danny Brough blows them all away, pre 2006 Solomona who is the best players I've seen at the club. He turned the club around in 2004 and gave us credibility for the first time since entering SL - he was after all a current NZ International - Ditto Henry Paul but it was a very short stint.

Tell you what, I'll go and write a spreadsheet, to be measured in terms of matches played, skill level, likeability....

I'll still think JD is a legend of recent years and no amount of 'downing' by you will make a jot of difference.

Why are we even having this debate - I don't have to prove anything here and I don't know why you had to be such a killjoy!

Bring in the games, then we can all debate something tangible!

You'er not having a debate with me and who said you had to prove anything, you're welcome to your opinion and you may well be right - but for me he didn't really do it, just a gut feeling don't need a spread sheets.The only person I took umbrage with was Cosmical and his OTT praise of a player who IMHO was not the 'saviour' of the club or 'Captain Marvel' or 'deserves a knighthood', sorry but that's idiotic as no one person ever in the history of W.T.RLFC deserves those title. I'll give you Captain Marvel at a pinch but we've had a few of those'

As I've stated he was a very good signing and if we could have him at Centre now I'd bite your hand off but I happen to think Solomona in particular was more important and Brough because he was hugely gifted and we created him. I am entitled to an opinion it is a forum and it's not as if I don't get shot down often enough for expressing them.

As for likability that's a bit subjective seeing as many of us never met him and I can't imagine him being dumb enough to be anything but polite to fans etc.

One things for sure he evokes much emotion in some - I'll mark it on my very long list of things I shouldn't express on here for fear of upsetting people.

Quote ="Rach"Jason Demetriou will be back in the UK In Feb and is set tobe the Guest of Honour at the launch night of his former Keighley Team , Brendon Rawlins Testimonial Year taking place Feb 16th venue to be announced . If any Wakefield fans are interested in attending please email info@rawlo12.co.uk , or sign up for the email newsletter at www.rawlo12.co.uk , or find us on Facebook and Twitter'" So good as the debate is, it shouldn't be forgetten that the point of the thread was to highlight the fact that he is coming to Keighley Rach has posted a link if you are interested in going.

Quote ="Rach"Jason Demetriou will be back in the UK In Feb and is set tobe the Guest of Honour at the launch night of his former Keighley Team , Brendon Rawlins Testimonial Year taking place Feb 16th venue to be announced . If any Wakefield fans are interested in attending please email info@rawlo12.co.uk , or sign up for the email newsletter at www.rawlo12.co.uk , or find us on Facebook and Twitter'" So good as the debate is, it shouldn't be forgetten that the point of the thread was to highlight the fact that he is coming to Keighley Rach has posted a link if you are interested in going.

Danny Kirmond has only ever looked good when Tim Smith was making it so. Without Tim Smith he has at best looked average

Kirmo hasn't looked fit for 2 seasons, with or without Smith at his side.