ROB Burrow's devastated wife Lindsey has shared an emotional tribute to the late rugby legend after his death.
In an emotional message, the heartbroken widow her husband was "simply the best", after fighting a brave battle with motor neurone disease.
In her statement, she wrote: "Although we knew this day would arrive, I am somehow still feeling at a loss for words that our loving, kind, caring husband and father has departed.
"I was incredibly proud and fortunate to call Rob my husband.
He'll be looking down on us and he'll be going 'thumbs up'. We're so proud to be here and it's amazing what you can achieve
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"I am unbelievably proud of the campaigning he's done to raise awareness and the millions of pounds that have been raised in his name for MND charities.
"I would like to thank the Rugby League community and everyone for their outpouring of love and support since Rob's diagnosis. I truly appreciate every message of support, and fundraising that has been done.
"My priority is to make Rob proud, and to bring our three children up as Rob would want and ensure their happiness and wellbeing.
We will continue to keep Rob's legacy alive. We will continue to 'bang the drum' and do our best to try and help others.
"We take comfort from how much people's love and continued support meant to Rob through his most vulnerable times.
"He was simply the best."
'HE'LL BE LOOKING DOWN ON US'
On Monday, the Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital was opened in a touching ceremony at Rob's request.
His close friend and former team-mate Kevin Sinfield attended the occasion with Burrow's parents Geoff and Irene Burrow, alongside sisters Joanne Hartshorn and Claire Burnett.
Mrs Burrow told reporters: "I said this is what Rob would want and I think he'd be proud that we all pulled ourselves together and got the strength to come, and we're doing it for Lindsey and the kids.
"He'll be looking down on us and he'll be going 'thumbs up'. We're so proud to be here and it's amazing what you can achieve."
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Mr Burrow added: "It's amazing what a little man can achieve. You can achieve big things.
"As Rob says, in a world full of adversity you must dare to dream. We're dreaming of when this opens."
'WHAT ROB WOULD HAVE WANTED'
Ms Hartshorn said: "Seeing the outpouring of love on the TV, at Headingley. In a weird way I've just done nothing but smile all morning.
"It's giving us the courage today because that's what Rob would have wanted.
"He wanted us to be here today. Last night we were wondering how on earth we were going to be able to do that, but the outpouring of love and everybody's support has been unbelievable."
The family also hailed Mr Sinfield as a "tremendous guy," with Mr Burrow saying: "I think what Kevin's done, everybody else in the world will be looking and valuing their friends a whole lot more."
Before his death, Burrow had led a £6.8million charity appeal for Leeds Hospitals Charity, where he received care, for a centre for those with MND.
Burrow was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours list for his services to rugby league and the MND community and was promoted to a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.
'HUGE HEART'
The former rugby player was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season rugby league career.
He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield's Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.
The small but mighty rugby icon played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation.
He scooped eight Super League titles in an illustrious playing career while also representing England and Great Britain internationally.
The Prince of Wales paid tribute to Burrow describing him as a “legend of Rugby League” who had a “huge heart”.
William added: “He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’.”
Grieving fans also gathered to lay down shirts and flowers in memory of Burrow outside Leeds Rhinos' stadium.
A statement from the Burrow family read: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.
"Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND. He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019
Leeds Rhinos
"The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and a half years meant so much to Rob.
"In particular, the rugby league family and the MND community have rallied around Rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.
"For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND over the last four and a half years came as no surprise.
"Rob never accepted that he couldn't do something, he just found his own way of doing it better than anyone else. He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream."
Leeds' statement released on Sunday evening read: "It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.
"Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019.
"He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield's Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.
"Burrow played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation.
"A hard working and dedicated player, his fearless performances made him one of the most respected players in the Rhinos ranks.
"Rob rose through the club's academy ranks to make his debut in 2001.
"In 2004, he was part of the Leeds team that ended a 32-year wait to win the Championship with victory in the Grand Final.
"It was the first of eight Grand Final wins for Burrow including winning the man of the match award in the 2007 and 2011 Old Trafford showpieces.
"The 2011 game included his breath-taking try that is still regarded as the greatest Grand Final try ever scored."
