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Daily honours sporting ‘legend’ of patch on front page

A regional daily has honoured one of its patch’s sporting heroes following his death.

The Hull Daily Mail paid tribute to rugby league player Johnny Whiteley, who has died aged 91.

Mr Whiteley spent his entire playing career with Hull FC and also played for both England and Great Britain.

He later coached Hull, their cross-city rivals Hull Kingston Rovers and both of the national teams he represented.

Hull rugby

The Mail splashed on his death on Tuesday, pictured above, with an eight-page supplement to follow later this week.

James Smailes, head of sport for Mail owner Reach plc’s titles across Yorkshire and the North-East of England, was a friend of Mr Whiteley.

He told HTFP: “Johnny Whiteley was more than a rugby player and coach, for the people of Hull he was a figurehead for sport and for community.

“He was a legend who offered a daily reminder that dreams can come true through hard work, but also success, civility and respect can be welcome bedfellows.

“Gentleman John represented the best in all of us and it was important for the Hull Daily Mail and Hull Live to recognise that fact with our coverage.

“With a special eight-page tribute to follow later in the week we ensure to give one of Hull’s greatest sons the send off he deserves.”