Kevin Sinfield has paid an emotional tribute to his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, who died yesterday, Sunday, aged 41 after suffering with motor neurone disease (MND).

Oldham hero and fundraising extraordinaire Sinfield said the world had “lost a great man”, adding that his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate had been a “beacon of hope and inspiration” since being diagnosed.

Sinfield has raised more than £15m for MND research in recent years, taking one a series of running challenges following Burrow's diagnosis in December 2019.

His challenges have included running seven ultramarathons in consecutive days last year and in 2022, as well as countless other marathons and half-marathons.

The Oldham Times: Sinfield carried his friend over the finish line of the Leeds Marathon last yearSinfield carried his friend over the finish line of the Leeds Marathon last year (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)

In January, both Sinfield and Burrow were awarded CBEs by the Prince of Wales efforts in raising funds and awareness for MND.

Sinfield's full statement, which was shared by Leeds Rhinos on social media, read: "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 community but for all those who saw and heard your story.

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"My love and thoughts go to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya, and Jackson, and to your lovely parents Geoff and Irene, sister Joanne and Claire and your wider family and friends.

"You will continue to inspire me every single day. I have lost a dear friend and I will never forget the special times we shared both on and off the pitch.

The Oldham Times: The pair were awarded CBEs by the Prince of Wales earlier this yearThe pair were awarded CBEs by the Prince of Wales earlier this year (Image: PA)

"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.

"The last four and a half years you showed the world what living and loving looked like and this was always done with the biggest smile on your face.

"I will miss you my little mate, all my love, Kev x."