Hull FC said farewell earlier today to their greatest ever player, Johnny Whiteley MBE, with a memorial service at the MKM Stadium.
Members of the Whiteley family were joined by members of the public, and guests and dignitaries from many walks of life that were touched by Johnny, including representatives from Hull KR, West Hull ARLFC, the RFL, the Hull FC Ex-Players Association, the Boulevard Academy, the Eureka Club, and Hull City Council.
The service was led by Club Chaplain Rev. Tony Cotson, and featured readings from Rugby League historian Prof. Tony Collins, Chairperson of the Hull FC Ex-Players Associaition Keith Tindall, Hull KR Chairman Neil Hudgell, Hull FC Chairman Adam Pearson, Rich Ferguson of the Eureka Club, and at the invitation of Whiteley himself before his passing, actor Barrie Rutter OBE.
There was also a reading of a poem from students of the Boulevard Academy – the school built on the site of Hull FC’s ancestral home.
Music was provided by the All For One choir, including a poignant performance of Old Faithful.
Supporters can listen to the service in full with BBC Radio Humberside’s coverage by clicking here
Johnny’s close family attended a private cremation following the service at the stadium.
A gallery from the day’s events can be found below:
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