The Steve Prescott Cup will commence this evening, honouring the legacy of the popular player who passed away 10 years ago.
The trophy consists of an annual match-up between Prescott’s former clubs, St Helens and Hull FC.
The team with the highest aggregate score over the two legs are the winners of the trophy.
The cup is named after Prescott who began his career with the Saints in 1993, playing 117 times and amounting 340 points in the jersey of red and white. The speedy fullback also played an essential role in the team that won the 1996 Super League title.
Following a successful Challenge Cup double in 1998, he then joined Hull FC, playing more than 100 times over two spells and earning 621 points in black and white.
Unfortunately for Prescott a serious knee injury cut his remarkable career short in 2003.
The Lancashire-born fullback was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and passed away seven years after in late 2013.
Following his diagnosis, Prescott set up The Steve Prescott Foundation to raise funds for The Christie Hospital in Manchester where he was treated, plus the Rugby League Benevolent Fund which supports former players in need.
Whilst receiving treatment, Prescott raised funds for these charities through a series of stunning challenges. He received an MBE for his efforts in 2010.
Shortly after his death in November 2013, it was announced that the two foundations close to Prescott’s heart had raised over £500,000.
In addition to his eternal legacy, the Man of Steel Award – the most acclaimed individual prize a Super League player can earn – was renamed in Prescott’s honour. This was due to over 12,000 signatures sent to the Rugby Football League calling for the change.
The award represents the characteristics Prescott held in his career on the pitch as well as his efforts in helping others away from the field.
St Helens and Hull FC last matched up in August 2022, with the Saints riding out comfortable winners in a 60-6 league victory.
This evening’s visitors haven’t beaten Saints in almost six years.
The game starts at 8pm at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
