VIDEO: Top man Wood determined to make anniversary in the right way

Events planned to mark the occasion were announced yesterday at Batley Bulldogs, home of one of the 22 founder clubs from 1895 and who actually still play at their original Mount Pleasant stadium.

With support from the sport’s charitable arm Rugby League Cares, these include the Founders Walk, a celebratory 120-mile fund-raising walk taking in the sites of those founding clubs’ grounds plus a special ‘Back to the Game’ round that will allow clubs to pay tribute to their former players and fans.

There will also be the unveiling of a commemorative statue at Wembley Stadium on the day of the 2015 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final – August 29 – which, fittingly, is also rugby league’s 120th birthday.

The sport will also look to erect commemorative blue plaques at the site of all 22 original Northern Union grounds – only Batley, Wakefield, Leeds and Widnes play in the same ground or location as in 1895 – while two more legends will be inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame at a celebratory dinner when New Zealand arrive in the autumn.

Rugby league was undergoing massive changes in 1995 when it reached its ton and Wood admitted: “The centenary of the sport was probably a bit of a missed opportunity wrapped up in all what was going on – the creation of Super League, the moving to a summer competition.

“There was a lot going on to distract the central administration from what would be a celebration.

“But we see this now as an opportunity, if there was any wrongdoings, to make sure we right that wrong.

“It’s a wonderful celebration, a great story and we should be proud of our heritage.”

Wood will, personally, lead the way on the Founder Walk as they try and raise £120,000 for rugby league causes.

He added: “In a year that we mark rugby league’s special anniversary it is appropriate to reflect on the long and proud history of a sport that means so much to so many people all around the world.”