Sat. Nov 2nd, 2024
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RUGBY League rose to remember Rob Burrow at ­Wembley yesterday following his death last week from motor neurone disease.

The 65,000 Challenge Cup final crowd observed a minute’s silence before the 3.07pm kick-off, a nod to his shirt number.

Fans during a minute silence for former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow before the Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium4

Fans during a minute silence for former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow before the Challenge Cup final at Wembley StadiumCredit: PA
Rob passed away at the start of June following a battle with Motor neurone disease

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Rob passed away at the start of June following a battle with Motor neurone diseaseCredit: AFP

Supporters also applauded for a minute in the seventh minute of the match between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves.

Dad-of-three Rob’s name and image adorned a banner outside Wembley Park Tube station along with his quote about being “a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream”.

He played in seven Challenge Cup finals for the Leeds Rhinos, winning two.

Rob, 41, who accepted an MBE in 2022 with wife Lindsey by his side died last Sunday.

During his 4½-year battle with MND, Rob, made a CBE this year, and best pal Kevin Sinfield raised over £6million to research it.

Burrow’s heartbreaking final words to his family have been revealed in an emotional video.

Heart-wrenching footage shows the former rugby star wishing for a “world free of MND” before he died aged 41 following a brave four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease.

“I want to live in a world free of MND,” said Burrow.

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“By the time you watch this I will no longer be here.

“I’m just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream of playing rugby league.”

Rob Burrow’s family lay flowers at Headingley Stadium where fans left tributes for rugby hero

His pre-recorded final words to his family were aired on the BBC One special programme There’s Only One Rob Burrow on Monday evening.

The Prince of Wales met Rob and his family

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The Prince of Wales met Rob and his familyCredit: AFP
Pal Kevin Sinfield carried Rob over the finish line of the Leeds marathon

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Pal Kevin Sinfield carried Rob over the finish line of the Leeds marathonCredit: PA

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