I grew up on the Herbert Street wall at 'sheddings. Was almost in tears when they knocked it down. As a school kid saw us beat Wigan in that never-to-be-forgotten Challenge Cup match, and run the invincible Aussies close. There's cracking footage of both those games on youtube. Capacity when I used to go was just over 10,000. I think the record crowd was about 28,000 versus Huddersfield in the 50s. In my dad's era (mid 50s) they had arguably the best rugby league team in the world. They just never made it to Wembley. The old-timers would tell you it was a hoodoo. They were up with minutes to go in one semi final at Swinton when a fog came down and the game had to be abandoned. They promptly lost the replay. I've seen them in three semis, and in one against Warrington they were robbed, scoring what would have been a game levelling try with a kick to come on the hooter. The ref disallowed it for an offside that only he saw. If they'd have won they'd have been at Wembley the day before Latics in 1990. As he walked off to a barrage of abuse the ref said calmly: "You've already got one team at Wembley haven't you?" Whitfield I think his name was.
Used to stand at the back of the Sheddings End until they closed it. Was a cracking atmosphere in there. There'd be the odd bit of trouble (mainly with Featherstone fans) but it was mostly good banter. And the oxtail soup they used to serve in a tiny shed at the front was the greatest taste sensation in the world.
Great days.