UK couple names baby Stanly Gene after Hull KR legend Stanley Gene

COMING up with the name of your newborn son can be a difficult decision, with parents often struggling to agree.

But for Mark and Zoe Farrer, it was an easy decision, with the couple turning to their love of rugby league, and a particular player who has won the hearts of rival supporters from Hull KR and Hull FC.

Stanley Gene Farrer was born on May 19 and weighed 7lb 10oz.

"He's a bit lighter than Stanley Gene," said proud father Mr Farrer, who was brought up in Hull, but now lives in Oldham. "I first started watching Rovers in about 1992 when I was ten and by the time Stan came over I was an East Stand regular. The two players that stood out for me were Stan and Paul Fletcher.

"The chants and choruses still ring through my head and make good lullabies.

"It was Stan's commitment that made him stand out when he returned to KR from Bradford, showing his devotion to Rovers.

"He has legendary status from his time at the club and has this never-say-die attitude. He always gives 120 per cent."

Although Mark's wife Zoe was brought up supporting Oldham, she didn't take much persuading Stanley Gene was the right name.

"Although I don't know him personally, I have had many a chat with him around Hull," said Mr Farrer, 31.

"Living in Oldham now, me and the wife are often seen in the Rovers' end at grounds.

"The name came about when attending the World Cup match at Headingley when Papua New Guinea took on New Zealand and my wife fell in love with Papua New Guinea.

"Their determination touched her and the following week she picked up my copy of Stan's autobiography Daydream Believer and fell in love with the name. When she found out Stan's birthday was our due date, no other name was in contention."

But with a name like Stanley Gene, is the newborn destined for a career in rugby league?

"I'll definitely push him into rugby and, once he's old enough, I'll be taking him to the training ground," Mr Farrer joked.

"I just hope that our little man puts as much effort, determination and commitment into whatever he does as Stan has."

Since the couple announced the name, the story has been shared through the Papua New Guinea and Hull KR supporters' clubs.

Mr Farrer said: "I've been told the pictures have had a few thousand likes on Facebook.

"I've been a bit shocked. I thought I might get a few friends in Hull commenting about it."

On hearing about the name, Mr Gene, who is assistant first team coach at Hull KR, said: "I am pretty humbled that someone has named their kid after me.

"It was a bit of a shock when I was told and I hope to be able to meet him some day and say hello."

Source: Courier mail