Hull legend Johnny Whiteley MBE has died aged 91
Photo courtesy of Hull FC.
Hull FC have confirmed the passing of club legend Johnny Whiteley MBE, aged 91.
A Hull FC and rugby league Hall of Fame member, Whiteley made 418 appearances for the club between 1950 and 1965.
He was the sixth highest appearance maker in the club’s history. He scored 156 tries for the club, and coached both Hull FC and Hull KR.
Whiteley joined the side from Hull Boys Club in 1950 having completed his national service in Austria as a teenager.
He 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.
The former Great Britain representative won the championship and played in Challenge Cup finals with Hull.
He was most recently named in the Rugby League Hall of Fame back in 2018, before being recognised by the club for his outstanding commitment and service in 2021, having turned 90 in November 2020.
In his later years, Johnny was a committed ambassador to the club, as well as a trustee for the Hull FC Community Foundation. He also enjoyed watching his beloved West Hull ARLFC, a club he helped develop throughout his career.
He coached the history-making Great Britain squad that toured Australia in 1970, who were the last side to win the Ashes in Australia.
The club shared in a statement: “Johnny Whiteley passed away peacefully last night at the age of 91, surrounded by his close family – he leaves behind wife Joan, daughters Kim, Jane and Lisa, grandchildren, Lisa and Sherriden, and great-grandchildren Jack and Leo.”
It is with the deepest sadness and the heaviest of hearts that Hull FC announce the passing of club legend, Johnny Whiteley MBE.
Johnny passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 91, surrounded by his close family.
Rest in peace, Johnny.
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) February 14, 2022
Tributes for Johnny Whiteley
Hull chief executive, James Clark, said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“On behalf of Adam, our board and everyone associated with Hull FC, we send our heartfelt condolences to Joan, Kim, Jane, Lisa and the rest of the family, who will always be part of the family at this club.”