Touching moment Leeds rugby ace Brodie Croft breaks down in tears as he remembers Rob Burrow at a special tribute match following the MND star’s death aged 41

• Brodie Croft scored two tries for Leeds Rhinos in Super League last night
• Croft was emotional when he received the player of the match award at Headingley

Brodie Croft described how Rob Burrow’s spirit helped Leeds to a thrilling 18-10 Betfred Super League victory over Leigh on a night when Headingley paid a fitting tribute to their former talismanic half.

Croft bagged two solo tries that Burrow – who died earlier this month following a four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease – would have been proud of before Rhinos held on after late responses from Matt Moylan and Edwin Ipape .

The Australian, who flashed 80 meters for his second on the half-hour, said: “It honestly felt like an out-of-body experience. I didn’t even score a try from that far out and I felt like there was someone else with me.

Croft struggled to contain his emotions as he described how Burrow’s legacy has inspired an injury-ravaged squad that parted ways with head coach Rohan Smith after last week’s loss at Hull FC to deliver perhaps the most good performance of the season.

“It was a big one not just for the club but for Rob and his family and the MND community and I think the lads showed that tonight, especially some of our younger lads,” added Croft.

“I followed Super League as a kid, Leeds were the big team and Rob was one of the key players. There’s a lot of connection there, being a dad myself and seeing his family there, I knew it was going to be a big occasion and we just wanted to do everything we could.

More than 80 former players gathered to pay tribute to Burrow ahead of the game, including his former team-mate Chev Walker, who stepped into joint interim management of the Rhinos following Smith’s departure.

Walker described a performance “in the spirit of Rob”, adding: “We’ve talked about it a few times since Rob died, about being brave and brave and supporting our team-mates. That’s all we asked for and they gave us 100 percent.

“It was emotional for everyone. He has touched so many people throughout this fight and his spirit was there tonight.

“On a personal level it was difficult, but on a professional level we have to come to work. It’s more of a relief than anything. We were desperate to get that win for Rob and his family.

Leigh head coach Adrian Lam admitted the evening was all about Burrow and joined Croft in suggesting the hosts had an outside assist to set up a much-needed win.

“I’m pleased for Leeds because it was a special night for the club,” said Lam, whose side left their revival too late as they failed to replicate the intensity of last week’s excellent 10-2 win over Catalans Dragons , in the south of France.

“I thought it was their (Leeds’) best game in a few years. It looked like they had a little extra help from up top with those save tackles.

“As a club we were grateful to be here and play a small part as well. I thought it was a great experience to be a part of. I haven’t seen him for a long time – it was a really special night for rugby league.’

Despite a string of chances, Lam admitted his side were off the pace in the first period but saw some positives in the way they hit back and believes they are still very much in the mix to repeat last season’s march to postseason play. -offs.

“We have had a long run of away games and we have a lot of home games in the second half of the season, so there is still hope for us,” added Lam.

“With the players coming back, we will have the chance to field a full team, so we remain positive.”

Rob Burrow’s father Geoff shared emotional memories of his son following the rugby league legend’s death ahead of last night’s match.

Burrow’s name and a large yellow number seven adorned the pitch, while the Rhinos’ players wore a blue and orange shirt for the Super League match against Leigh.

The emotional pre-match event, which coincidentally took place on Global MND Awareness Day, also saw Burrow’s father address the capacity crowd.

“It’s a very emotional night, especially as Leeds v Leigh was the first home game I took Rob to,” said Mr Burrow, his voice cracking with emotion.

“He loved every minute of it.

“He was cheeky, but he was a nice, nice boy. And I miss him so much.

Burrow has bravely campaigned to raise awareness of MND, an incurable and debilitating disease, and has raised more than £15 million alongside his close friend and former Rhinos team-mate Kevin Sinfield in a bid to fund research crucial.

His final wish was for construction to begin on a new £6m facility based in Leeds and designed to support the needs of people living with MND.

Mr Burrow dug the first hole at the site, watched by the rest of his family and Sinfield, and admitted the emotional moment “meant everything”.

At the centre, Mr Burrow added: “We are delighted, I wish we could have seen it open. But he’ll see it through Jackson and the kids, Lindsey. We will make him proud.

As the teams emerged from the tunnel at Headingley, supporters in the East Stand held up blue and yellow placards emblazoned with Burrow’s initials and shirt number.

Two large banners were also unfurled, one featuring his image and the second featuring his infamous quote: “In a world full of adversity we must dare to dream.”

Sinfield, who is currently with the England rugby team in Japan, recorded a video tribute before the match which was shown on the ground’s big screens.

He called Burrow his “little friend” and “the bravest, toughest man I ever met.”