GARRY SCHOFIELD has paid tribute to his mother Jean (above, right), the former Hunslet Parkside stalwart, after her death aged 82.
His father Geoff died in January 2017, and the former Great Britain international and League Express columnist said: “The pair of them were without a doubt the two biggest influences on my career.
“Without their love, advice, help and support, I wouldn’t have achieved anything in the game.”
Schofield came through the ranks at Parkside, who in 2022 merged with Hunslet Warriors to become Hunslet ARLFC.
And he added: “She wasn’t only a fantastic mum to myself and two brothers Brian and Colin, but also a great worker for Parkside.
“She was there through thick and thin for more than 30 years, and along with Colin and Una Cooper, the three of them were known at the club as the ‘engine room’.
“She took great pleasure in not just my progress, also the likes of James Lowes, Sonny Nickle, Jason Robinson and Chev Walker, to name just a few.
“But she loved all the kids who played there, regardless of how good they were, and she treated them all the same.
“In addition many people from visiting teams knew my mum, who always had a welcome for people.
“Thank you Jean and Geoff Schofield, my heroes. Love you always.”