Roger Millward RIP: Rugby League pays tribute to The Dodger

Correspondent 03 May 2016 12:24 PM

Roger Millward MBE is a Hull KR legend; a rugby league icon who became part of the historical fabric of the Robins.

His passing at the age of 68 has been marked by many in the rugby league community, with some taking to Twitter to make their thoughts known.

One man who had a lot in common with Millward was Leeds halfback Rob Burrow, another diminutive pivot player with origins in West Yorkshire.

Sad to hear the news of the death of Roger Millward, absolute legend of the game & role model to all us smaller guys! RIP

— Rob Burrow (@Rob7Burrow) May 3, 2016

Burrow’s Leeds team-mate Ryan Hall highlighted the different role that the great man had played in his life.

Sad to hear about my old school caretaker and RL legend passing away. RIP Roger Millward

— Ryan Hall (@Ryan5Hall) May 3, 2016

Of course, the club where Millward began his career was Castleford. The Tigers paid warm tribute to one of their sons.

Very sad to hear that Cas Legend Roger Millward has passed away. Our thoughts are with Roger’s family and friends at this sad time.

— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) May 3, 2016

Hull FC too, the club that was beaten by Millward’s Rovers in the 1980 Challenge Cup final at Wembley, paid warm tribute to the great stand-off.

We have been saddened to learn of the passing of Roger Millward, one of the city’s rugby league greats. Our thoughts are with his family

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) May 3, 2016

Writer and academic Tony Collins, the author of ‘Rugby’s Great Split’ and other fine works, highlighted Millward’s status as a boyhood hero to fans who had seen him play.

Roger Millward dead at 68. Rugby league genius. Another boyhood hero lost. Last words to Eddie Waring: ‘Millward. Millward. Millwaaaaard!’

— Tony Collins (@collinstony) May 3, 2016

Former Hull KR coach Justin Morgan, who played a huge part in the club’s return to Super League, and then helped establish them in the top tier, also had warm words for his predecessor as Robins coach.

RIP Roger Millward. He was always very supportive of me #HullKR thoughts are with his family

— Justin Morgan (@jusmor28) May 3, 2016

Current Robins player Ben Cockayne, a man who always plays with his heart on is sleeve and is well aware of supporters’ sentiment, also paid tribute to ‘the Dodger’.