It was the day Kevin Sinfield "hoped would never come", as the news came from Leeds Rhinos last night that his close friend Rob Burrow had lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
Together, the pair shone a light on the condition for which there is no cure, raising millions through a variety of marathons and ultra-marathons.
At the most recent, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, Sinfield memorably carried his former Leeds, England and Great Britain team-mate over the finishing line.
Burrow was just three months shy of his 42nd birthday when he died yesterday surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife Lindsey — his childhood sweetheart — and their three children, Jackson, Macy and Maya.
Back in 2019 when diagnosed, he had been told he had just two years to live, but exceeded such expectations, just as he did on the rugby field.
Just 5ft 5ins tall, he was repeatedly told he was too small for rugby league, but went on to play 492 times for his club, with a string of highlights including winning eight Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and a trio of World Club Challenge titles.
But it was in the face of his battle with MND that he became a household name, losing his ability to talk and move.
He lived the disease very publicly through his family and Sinfield, rarely without a smile on his face and a joke. He also carried on the work of rugby union star Doddie Weir, who died in November 2022, in raising awareness and funds for MND.
At the time of his diagnosis, Burrow said: 'Thank God it's me and not the kids," before adding in another interview, "I'm not going to give in until my last breath. I have too many reasons to live."
Fans continued to gather outside Headingley Stadium today to pay their tributes to Burrow.
Since your diagnosis you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met. I will miss you my little mate
In a statement, Sinfield wrote: "Today was the day that I hoped would never come. The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to 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.
"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. I will miss you my little mate."
The Prince of Wales was among those to pay tribute. He said: "A legend of rugby league, Rob Burrow had a huge heart.
"He taught us, in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream. Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy."
And Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "Rob was an inspiration to everyone who met him or who heard his incredible story.
"I was honoured to spend time with him last year. He leaves behind an amazing legacy."
