Leeds Rhinos honor Rob Burrow’s memory at Headingley thriller

What started as a tearful tribute to Rob Burrow has ended as an emotional celebration of the life of a rugby league great and a Leeds Rhinos icon.

Burrow, the brilliant former scrum-half, died aged 41 on June 2, 4½ years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

This was Leeds’ first home game since his death and what promised to be a deeply emotional occasion was exactly that in front of an emotionally charged Headingley crowd of 17,535.

Rhinos and Leopards players observe a minute’s silence before the match

DANNY LAWSON/PA

Burrow was just 5ft 5in but became one of the most respected and loved players of his generation as he helped the aristocratic Rhinos to eight Super League titles between 2004 and 2017.

Between 70 and 80 of Burrow’s former Leeds teammates from his illustrious playing career