Roger Millward passes away

Rugby League Hall of Fame member Roger Millward has sadly passed away at the age of 68.

A successful coach and player, the Castleford-born stand-off was a Great Britain and England representative with 29 and 17 caps respectively.

Millward started his playing career with the Tigers in 1964, spending two years with Cas before joining Hull KR in 1966. He made 406 appearances for the Robins, scoring a club record 207 tries and kicking 607 goals.

In the 1976 off-season he had a short spell in Australia with the Cronulla Sharks.

Millward’s last first-team appearance was at Wembley, when he achieved a career ambition of lifting the Challenge Cup in the final against rivals Hull FC in 1980 – his fifth trophy as captain of the side, another club record.

After his retirement from playing, he coached the Robins for another eleven seasons, winning six more trophies and becoming the most successful coach in the club’s history. After 25 years with Hull KR, Millward had a short spell as coach of Halifax in 1991/92.

He was fittingly awarded the MBE for his services to rugby league in 1983 and inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2000.

Hull Kingston Rovers chairman Neil Hudgell said: “This is a tragic day for everybody associated with the club and everybody who considers themselves to be a rugby league supporter.

“Roger’s achievements as a player and coach and the way he conducted himself on and off the field made him a hugely respected figure amongst fans of all clubs, whilst there is no doubt he will go down in history as Hull KR’s greatest ever player, coach and captain.

“At his peak, he was a player blessed with exceptional skills, outstanding leadership qualities and genuine bravery. He was also a true gentlemen of the game who remained closely connected to the club in his later years.

“The entire club is in mourning and our deepest condolences go to his wife Carol, his family and his friends. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.”