'I will miss you my little mate': Kevin Sinfield's emotional Rob Burrow tribute as Prince William hails legend
“You were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met.”
Kevin Sinfield has paid an emotional tribute to his friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow following his death. Rugby league legend Burrow died on Sunday following a four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND). As friends and former Leeds teammates, Sinfield and Burrow raised millions together for charity to raise awareness and fund research into MND.
Former Rhinos captain Sinfield, from Oldham, said the world had “lost a great man”, adding that his former teammate had been a “beacon of hope and inspiration” since his diagnosis.
In a statement posted to social media by Leeds Rhinos, Sinfield said: “Today was the day that I hoped would never come. The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so so many.
“You fought so bravely until the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only for the MND (motor neurone disease) community but for all those who saw and heard your story. I would always say that you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however since your diagnosis, you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met. I will miss you my little mate.”
Sinfield was also joined by Prince William in paying tribute to Burrow who died yesterday, aged 41. The Prince of Wales, described him as a “legend of Rugby League” who had a “huge heart”, adding: “He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’.”
Burrow died at Pinderfield’s Hospital, near his home, surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week. Well-wishers continue to arrive at the Rhinos Headingley Stadium to pay their respects - leaving flowers, shirts and other tributes.