TRIBUTES have been paid to Geoff Burrow, the father of the late Rugby League legend Rob, after his death at 74.

It came almost two years after ex-Leeds star Rob lost his battle with motor neurone disease at 41, after which Geoff continued to work tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition and funds to support those living with it and for research into finding a cure.

Geoff died after a “period of ill health”, the Rhinos revealed in a statement.

Leeds said: “It is with deep sadness that the club learnt of the passing on March 30 of Geoff Burrow, the father of Rob Burrow.

“Leeds-born Geoff was a tireless campaigner for the MND community following Rob’s diagnosis in December 2019 and continued that work after Rob’s passing in June 2024.

“A devoted husband, father and a grandfather, Geoff brought Rob to his first-ever game at Headingley and started his love of the Rhinos.

“Geoff was always a champion for those who did not have a voice throughout his career as a trade union representative.

“Our deepest condolences go to Geoff’s wife Irene and the whole Burrow family. May he rest in peace.””

Scrum-half Rob, who represented England and Great Britain, spent his entire career with Leeds, playing for the first team between 2001 and 2017, with his last match the Super League Grand Final win over Castleford.

The father of three had a spell on the coaching staff before his MND diagnosis and in recognition of his campaigning which in tandem with that of his Leeds teammate Kevin Sinfield and others helped raise millions of pounds, was appointed MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2021 and awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2024.

Geoff and Irene helped looked after Rob during his illness to enable his wife Lindsey to carry on with her job as an NHS physiotherapist.

The couple were visibly emotional as they watched work begin on a £6.8 million MND centre at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds in Rob’s memory in 2024.

Geoff was present when it was opened in November, saying the fact the facility had become a reality proved “dreams come true”.

Craige Richardson, director of estates and facilities at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Geoff played a huge role in the development of the centre.

“He came to every stakeholder and development meeting and he championed all the work taking place to build it.

“He had so much energy and enthusiasm to help create a legacy for Rob and to support the MND community.

“His passion for research and to find a cure for MND is something we will continue as a trust.”