DANNY BROUGH had warm words for John Kear as tributes flowed following the death at 71 of the renowned former coach and Rugby League broadcaster.
Ex-halfback and Man of Steel Brough was given his Super League debut by Kear at Hull FC in 2005 and later that year he kicked the key conversion in the 25-24 Challenge Cup final win over Leeds at Cardiff.
It was one of two renowned triumphs in the competition for Kear, who had guided Sheffield to their 17-8 upset Wembley win over Wigan in 1998.
Brough, 43, later played under Kear at Wakefield and Bradford, and said: “Like so many other people, I was so sad to hear the news.
“John played a big part in my life as well as my career, because he was a bit of a mentor to me as well as a really good coach.
“He helped me adapt to Super League after I signed for Hull from York, and later took me to Wakefield from Castleford, then to Bradford, so we built a good relationship.
“He was just a great man who was important to a whole lot of people, and my condolences go to his family.”