Tributes to Hull KR legend Roger Millward
The Robins' greatest ever player has passed away at the age of 68.
Tributes have been paid to Hull KR legend Roger Millward - who's died at the age of 68.
He was one of the sport's most sucessful players of all time - scoring 207 tries in his 14 year careers with Rovers - a club record.
Fans have today been laying floral tributes at the KC Lightstream Stadium to pay respect to Roger.
Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell desribed Millward as a true gentlemen - with genuine bravery.
Neil Hudgell told Viking:
“This is a tragic day for everybody associated with the club and everybody who considers themselves to be a rugby league supporter.
“Roger’s achievements as a player and coach and the way he conducted himself on and off the field made him a hugely respected figure amongst fans of all clubs, whilst there is no doubt he will go down in history as Hull KR’s greatest ever player, coach and captain.
“At his peak, he was a player blessed with exceptional skills, outstanding leadership qualities and genuine bravery. He was also a true gentlemen of the game who remained closely connected to the club in his later years.
“The entire club is in mourning and our deepest condolences go to his wife Carol, his family and his friends. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.”
Other tributes include from East Hull MP, Karl Turner, who tweeted:
"Very sorry to hear that Roger Millward MBE died earlier today. 36 years to the day of 1980 Challenge Cup final.
"We must ensure that the city provides a fitting tribute to the legend Roger Millward."
Millward will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
A Great Britain and England representative with 29 and 17 caps respectively, Millward was a hugely successful player and coach and was already an international when he joined Rovers from Castleford in 1966. He would go on to become an icon of the game during his spell at Craven Park, making 406 appearances for the Robins, scoring a club record 207 tries and kicking 607 goals.
Fittingly, his last first team appearance was at Wembley, when he achieved a career ambition of lifting the Challenge Cup in the famous final against rivals Hull FC in 1980 – his fifth trophy as captain of the side, another club record.
After his retirement from playing, he coached the Robins for another eleven seasons, winning six more trophies and becoming the most successful coach in the club’s history. After 25 years with Hull KR, Millward had a short spell as coach of Halifax in 1991/92.
He was fittingly awarded the MBE for his services to rugby league in 1983 and inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2000.
Further details regarding Roger’s funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course and the club requests that everybody respects his family’s privacy at this terrible time.