‘Greatest ever’: Johnny Whiteley, all-time Hull rugby league legend, dies at 91

• Whiteley won World Cup as a player in 1954 and 1960
• Made 418 appearances for Hull and also coached Great Britain

Johnny Whiteley, a two-time World Cup winner and rugby league great, has died at the age of 91, his former club Hull have announced.

Whiteley is synonymous with the Black and Whites, having played for them throughout his distinguished career, with Hull acknowledging him as their “greatest ever”. He made 418 appearances for Hull and later coached them, as well as their city rivals Hull KR, with both clubs nominating him for his place in the sport’s Hall of Fame.

Whiteley won the World Cup in 1954 and 1960 and gained 15 Great Britain caps. He coached the side to a 1970 Ashes win, the last series win by the Lions in Australia.

“Johnny is widely regarded as the finest rugby league player to represent this city, and amongst the very best in the history of the sport, so this is an extremely sad day for our club and rugby league,” said Hull FC’s chief executive, James Clark.

“He represented Hull FC as a player, coach and ambassador with passion, humility and the utmost dedication for the last 70 years and he will leave a significant hole in the family and fabric of this club.

“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.”

Hull plan to mark Whiteley’s life when they meet St Helens on Saturday, a game that will be covered by Channel 4.

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