Legendary Scrum Half Sean Long Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Leeds Rhinos Icon Rob Burrow
In a touching tribute, legendary Great Britain scrum-half Sean Long has hailed the late Rob Burrow as one of the greatest players in British rugby league history. Burrow, the beloved Leeds Rhinos star, tragically passed away this month after a courageous four-and-a-half year battle with motor neurone disease.
Long, widely regarded as one of the finest number sevens of his generation, had the privilege of facing Burrow on the field in three successive Super League Grand Finals between 2007-2009, with Burrow’s Leeds side emerging victorious on each occasion. Reflecting on their iconic clashes, Long was full of praise for the diminutive half-back’s remarkable talent and tenacity.
“What a player he was, he broke my heart so many times and in three Grand Finals, winning the Harry Sunderland Award too. You are definitely never going to see a player like Rob Burrow again. He was a once in a generation player and I have never ever seen anything like it, so fast and so tough, his speed off the mark and agility.”
Long’s respect for Burrow extended beyond the playing field, as the two men also shared a close bond during their time together on the Great Britain tour in 2006. Recalling how he had relinquished his number seven shirt to Burrow, believing the younger man deserved the prestigious jersey more, Long praised Burrow’s character and leadership.
“I have the utmost praise and respect for him as a person as well as a player. I gave my Great Britain jersey to him because I thought he deserved it and deserved to play. He was a great bloke and a great family man, and our hearts go out to his family. As a person and as a half-back he was one of the greats.”
As the rugby league community continues to mourn the loss of a true icon, Leeds Rhinos will pay tribute to Burrow next Friday when they host Leigh Leopards in their first home match since his passing.
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