'A gentle giant of the rugby league world'

KEAR WAS ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS WHO LOVED HIS SPORT

- BY DANIEL TOMLINSON

JOHN KEAR will forever be remembered as one of life's good guys as tributes poured in for the rugby league legend.

Kear died on Sunday at the age of 71. He was travelling back north after being part of the BBC commentary team for Saturday's Challenge Cup final between Wigan and Hull KR at Wembley.

A former player, coach and pundit, Kear was a much-loved figure across the sport and was widely perceived as one of its biggest advocates.

Before a stellar coaching career, the Castleford native (right) spent his entire playing career at his hometown club.

He went on to coach more than 700 games, including spells at Sheffield Eagles, Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity, Bradford Bulls, Widnes Vikings and Batley Bulldogs. He also spent time on the international stage with England Academy and Wales.

Kear famously won the 1998 and 2005 Challenge Cups with Sheffield and Hull.