Sam Burgess paid tribute to Rob Burrow and described the rugby league great’s “heart of a thousand lions.” Leeds Rhinos legend Burrow died aged just 41 on Sunday after a four-and-a-half year battle with motor neurone disease. Warrington boss Burgess, speaking ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup final Wembley showdown with Wigan, played alongside the brilliant scrum-half for England and Great Britain.
He also faced Burrow numerous times in Super League and Burgess’ own father Mark also died from MND in 2007, so he knows only too well just how horrific the disease truly is. He said: “I’d obviously known Rob for a long time. It is a horrible disease.
We all knew that four-and-a-half years ago. It’s a really sad day. It’s tragic news.
But we all knew it was coming at some stage: it’s the reality of MND. “And he’s left such a remarkable legacy in the MND community and sport in general, not just England but across the globe. For that, many people will be forever in debt to him.
That legacy will no doubt continue to grow. “He had the heart of a lion on the field and a heart of a thousand lions off it. I’m proud to call him a friend and wish all his family and friends the best.
” Burrow was scrum-half when Burgess made his Great Britain debut in 2007, announcing himself on the biggest stage with that famous hit on New Zealand’s Fuifui Moimoi. And the pair were also in tandem when Burgess first appeared for England against France the following year plus Bu.
