Ince Rose Bridge's salute to Carl Roden

They have dedicated a lounge and meeting room to the local referee, who sadly passed away in May.

Roden was a popular figure on the Wigan amateur rugby league scene.

He had been refereeing matches for 30 years and became well-known for the speeches he would give junior players at each match - including to many future Super League players.

Ince Rose Bridge chairman Mark Alder, along with other club members, hosted the event with a fitting speech.

He said: "During lockdown we have made some improvements in and around the club.

"On hearing of Carl's passing we made the decision to do something in his memory for everything he has done over the years not just for Ince Rose Bridge, but for rugby league in general.

"There has been many fitting tributes to Carl in the last few months but the one that summed him up was, 'Carl not only reffed the kids he coached them at the same time, teaching them how to play the game in the right way.'

"We would like to thank Kay and Ian, Carl's son, for giving us this opportunity to pay tribute to Carl.

"With the tough times we are in the family has not been able to hold a wake with Carl's friends and family to celebrate his life.

"So Ian had the tough task of organising his immediate family to be at the event and the even harder task of keeping it a secret."

The lounge is designed for the rugby league community to utilise during home games, and the coaches to use to help develop players even futuehr.

Alder added: "Every time someone steps in the lounge they will remember a different memory or story of Carl along with seeing some famous names, many of whom would have been reffed by Carl, on the walls."