Reproduced from Manchester Evening News 14 September, 1998

It was 1961 and the pop music mogul had just finished a studio session in Manchester with the Beatles.

He bumped into Eddie the former BBC RL TV commentator who insisted he joined him for the afternoon at The Willows.

Salford [rugby club] were playing Castleford and the man from Walsall was hooked on a game that has been close to his heart ever since.

Waterman became a Salford director earlier this season and admits he loves the club, the ground and its loyal fans.

Pete said: "I guess I owe it all to Eddie Waring - what a man he was - he kept telling me I should see a game of Rugby League because it was a bit special and he was right.

"There's just something special about Salford and I am honoured to be involved at the club.

"It's a tremendous set-up and a wonderful game and I've nothing but admiration for those guys who play it. I've some tremendous memories of the games I have seen."

Yesterday's clash at The Willows brought further friendly family rivalry for Pete though.

He sat in the directors box alongside close friend and chairman John Wilkinson but his 26 year old son Paul who supports Wigan opted for the terraces.

Pete said: "Paul is Wigan mad.

"Earlier in the season when Salford played at Central Park, I asked him to come in the directors box but he preferred to be with his mates on that occasion!"