This touched me deeply when of was announced and like many have said it hit me hard to lose him for it was as if I’d lost someone who was simply irreplaceable.
The news when it came might have been I guess expected but it still came as a real body blow to everyone who loves our great game as we see the passing of a truly heroic individual in the most tragic of circumstances. Rob was to the end a fantastic ambassador for our game, combining the ethos of the fighter and the campaigning stalwart with the fact that he was a thoroughly good sport and a great bloke as well. All that on top of being a really gifted rugby league player.
He epitomised what Eddie Waring used to refer to as a pocket battleship. A mini dynamo on the field he was a brilliant player who literally punched way above his weight. As an adversary he often ran us ragged and always did it as he did everything with a smile on his face. He had the heart of a lion and would face up to the biggest forward as well, if he was antagonised, just ask Luaki that!!!
When you see some who receive honours he should, along with Kevin, been knighted ages ago if only for his brave work for the Motor Neuron charity, but no matter, for we have still all seen the passing of a real icon of our game and indeed someone the like of which we may never see again.
What a hero and I’m sure our thoughts go to his brave, brave family at this time. Sadly, the game has lost a hero and one the like of which we may never see again. He might be gone but his memory will burn bright for decades to come and father will tell their children about him and the good he has done to spread awareness and understanding of his illness.
Christopher Reeve once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”
RIP Rob!
