Johnny Whiteley: Great Britain and Hull FC rugby league great dies aged 91

Former Great Britain player and coach and Hull FC legend Johnny Whiteley MBE has died aged 91.

Whiteley was part of Test series wins over Australia with the Lions as both player and coach, and was part of three World Cup squads between 1954 and 1960.

He also won the championship and played in Challenge Cup finals with Hull for whom he scored 156 tries in 417 games, and coached both Hull FC and Hull KR.

His services to rugby league were rewarded with an MBE in 2005.

Hull will pay tribute to Whiteley's life at Saturday's home Super League game against St Helens.

Rovers have offered «the most sincere condolences»external-link to Whiteley's family and friends in their tribute.

«Johnny approached life with such youthful energy, vigour and determination, and despite how sad this moment is, it should also be an opportunity to celebrate his incredible life and legacy, including his dedication to the sport and the city he loved so dearly,» Hull FC chief executive James Clark said.

«His influence and contribution reaches far beyond rugby league and he served his community selflessly for many, many years, which will never be forgotten.

»For those of us who knew him and had the privilege of spending invaluable time with him, he will not only be remembered as a legend of the club, the finest ambassador for the sport and a dedicated servant of the city — but most notably, a great friend."

Whiteley spent all of his club and coaching career in his home city of Hull and was still a prominent figure into his nineties.

He also enjoyed huge success as both a player and coach with Great Britain, winning Ashes series in 1958 and 1959 as well as coaching the last team to win a series in Australia in 1970.

Having grown up in Hull, he was signed by his