They were just some of Sam Burgess’ heart-warming and emotional words in paying tribute to his former Great Britain and England teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away on Sunday aged 41.
Having bewitched the rugby league world with his skill and bravery on the field for Leeds Rhinos and on the international stage, Burrow’s battle with MND and his drive to raise awareness and funds to help fellow sufferers saw him inspire a global audience.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief and for Burgess, who lost his father Mark to the illness back in 2007, it is a particularly personal tragedy.
“He was courageous on the field and a great teammate, so it’s tragic news,” he said of the man he played alongside six times in the international game.
“We knew it was coming so the most tragic news was his diagnosis. This week was always coming and it’s never easy. All of our condolences go to the Burrow family.
“It’s tragic but the legacy he’s left globally – he’s impacted so many lives not just here in the UK but in Australia and all over the world.
“There’s so many great things we can remember Rob for. It’s just sad that it’s at the cost of his life.
“He attacked the adversity in his life in the same way he attacked the sport. He defied the laws of physics when he played, and he played at such a high level for so long.
“He had the heart of a lion playing and the heart of a thousand lions when facing motor neurone disease.
“We should all take a moment to reflect on that and celebrate what a special guy he was.
“We lost our father in 2007 and it’s a tragic disease, so I can appreciate the impact Rob’s had on the MND community more than most.
“His story has united all sports, though, and I had a moment of reflection driving into work this morning about what it’s really all about and what’s really important.
“It’s your relationships and friendships and memories – hopefully there’s some great ones on Saturday – as well as your family and health.
“It’s a nice time to reflect and celebrate what a special guy Rob was.”
The RFL confirmed there would be a minute’s silence held before all four games being held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday – the women’s and men’s Challenge Cup Finals, the Champion Schools final and the 1895 Cup Final – in Burrow’s memory.
There will also be a minute’s applause in the seventh minute of each game to signify the shirt number he wore for the vast majority of his career with Leeds.
“Wembley’s a special place and Rob loved the big stage,” Burgess said.
“It’s a special week on the calendar and Rob will get the recognition he deserves.
“He had a lot of success there so hopefully we fill it out to celebrate Rob and what’s going to be a great occasion for the game.
“There will be some emotion in the stadium for sure.”
