Hull FC and Great Britain rugby league legend Johnny Whiteley has died, aged 91.
Affectionately known as 'Gentlemen John', Whiteley played the entirety of his career with his hometown club, making 417 appearances between 1950 and 1965.
He made 15 appearances for Great Britain and another for England, and went on to coach both Hull FC and Hull KR as well as his country after hanging up his boots.
Whiteley coached Great Britain to an Ashes victory Down Under in 1970 - the last side from British shores to win a series in Australia.
Labour MP for East Hull, Karl Turner, said: "Johnny Whiteley MBE – A Hessle Road lad that became a sporting legend. He was my father’s sporting idol and I grew up hearing many a stories about Gentleman John as a Hull FC player.
"Like many others in Hull he trained my cousin and uncle at his Eureka gym and he made a lasting impression on them like he did everyone he met.
"I had the pleasure of meeting him on many occasions and he always had the personality to light up every room he entered.
He was a sporting legend as a player, captain and coach at Hull FC and a coach at Hull KR and notably as the Great Britain coach that won the Ashes in Australia.
"He was enormously respected on both sides of the rugby league divide in Hull and the River Hull by both black and whites and red and whites alike. Johnny was a true gentleman and notable legend of our great city. RIP, Johnny."
Hull confirmed on Twitter that Whiteley had passed away on Monday morning, surrounded by his close family.
Airlie Birds chief James Clark added: "Johnny is widely regarded as the finest rugby league player to represent this city, and amongst the very best in the history of the sport, so this is an extremely sad day for our club and rugby league.
“He represented Hull FC as a player, coach and ambassador with passion, humility and the utmost dedication for the last 70 years and he will leave a significant hole in the family and fabric of this club.
“Johnny approached life with such youthful energy, vigour and determination, and despite how sad this moment is, it should also be an opportunity to celebrate his incredible life and legacy, including his dedication to the sport and the city he loved so dearly.
“His influence and contribution reaches far beyond rugby league and he served his community selflessly for many, many years, which will never be forgotten.
“For those of us who knew him and had the privilege of spending invaluable time with him, he will not only be remembered as a legend of the club, the finest ambassador for the sport and a dedicated servant of the city – but most notably, a great friend.
“On behalf of Adam, our board and everyone associated with Hull FC, we send our heartfelt condolences to Joan, Kim, Jane, Lisa and the rest of the family, who will always be part of the family at this club.”
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