Tributes for ex-Hull KR star Steve Leighton

Tributes have been paid to a former Hull KR player, who has been described as a "great man who lived and breathed rugby league".

Steve Leighton, who played at full-back for the red and whites during the 1970s, made 109 appearances and scored 11 tries.

Mr Leighton, from Bilton, spent the last 20 months battling Myeloma cancer, which affects cells in the bone marrow. Following various unsuccessful chemotherapy he died on November 10, aged 57.

Titch Chamberlain, 36, who played for Hull KR during the 90s, described Steve as an "all round great bloke".

He said: "Steve coached me when I played for a Hull KR spin-off to the academy.

"He was so motivated and very passionate and could certainly get the best out of players.

"You couldn't meet a nicer bloke.

"He was passionate about rugby.

"I remember popping into his business, S and K Fitted Furniture, looking for a new kitchen with the wife. He came over to talk, not about a new kitchen, but rugby. We were talking for a couple of hours."

More than 150 people were at St Michael's and All Angels Church, on Holderness Road, east Hull, for Steve's funeral yesterday.

One of those paying his respects was former KR team mate Steve Crooks, who is now player performance manager for Hull FC under 21s.

He said: "He was a sensible bloke and it is a terrible shame to lose him.

"I have kept in touch with him since the rugby and am a better person having known him all these years.

"There was a good turn out with a lot of former players and amateurs who Steve will have trained. It was a fair reflection on Steve's character."

Amongst the guests were former Hull KR rugby league players Steve Hartley, Phil Lowe and Mike Smith.

Steve's son Jamie, 36, said: "He used to be known as will-o'-the-wisp as a rugby player - which I think means he was quite quick.

"He was a great bloke and a proper genuine guy who as a coach cared for everyone."

Jamie has taken a similar route to Steve in terms of rugby, playing for both Hull KR and Doncaster.

A spokesperson from Hull Kingston Rovers, said: "We were deeply saddened to hear of Steve's passing last week.

"He gave great service to Hull Kingston Rovers, making over 100 appearances and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."