The longest-serving player in Tigers history, with 338 appearances spread over a period of 28 years, Willars finished ahead of Steve Johnson, John Wells and Tom Berry in the poll to find the first name in the Legends back row.
A Tigers captain and later club coach and president, as well as a senior figure in the Past Players' Association, Willars died in 1997 at the age of just 57.
Angus Collington, a fellow back-rower who followed Willars’ work in the Past Players’ Association, said: "I have the utmost respect for Graham because he taught me a lot and I followed him with the Past Players' Association, which he got up and running.
“I think a lot of people voted for Graham because of his work behind the scenes."
Voting is now open for the position of openside flanker from a shortlist of Neil Back, David Matthews, Lewis Moody and Ian ‘Dosser’ Smith. Vote now via the Mercury website or cut out a coupon from the newspaper.
As well as deciding the identity of the players who will be honoured at Welford Road, supporters can join them in the Walk of Legends on the approach to the new Caterpillar Stand.
Buy an exclusive engraved commemorative brick, add a name or personal message, and see it set alongside the names of your favourite players from more than 120 years of Tigers history.
Or buy a place in the Walk of Legends for a friend or relative as a perfect gift for a Tigers supporter. We can also supply a replica to keep at home.
Prices are from £44.95 for a single brick or £79.95 for a double brick.
To download an order form for a Walk of Legends commemorative brick, click here.
