Rugby league legend Johnny Whiteley MBE dies aged 91 | Rugby League News
Johnny Whiteley MBE made his Hull FC debut in 1950 and went on to make 418 appearances for the club; he was a member of the Great Britain squad that won the 1954 and 1960 Rugby League World Cups; Whiteley was made an MBE in 2005 for services to rugby league and the community
Last Updated: 14/02/22 12:26pm
Johnny Whiteley spent his entire playing career with Hull FC
Rugby league legend Johnny Whiteley MBE has died aged 91.
Known as ‘Gentleman John’ throughout his career, Whiteley made 418 appearances for Hull FC, his hometown club, and captained the Black and Whites from 1957 until his retirement eight years later.
He became a player-coach in 1963 before taking up a full coaching role after retiring. He spent five years in charge of Hull before joining Hull Kingston Rovers in 1970.
A member of Great Britain’s 1954 Rugby League World Cup-winning squad, Whiteley was made an MBE for services to rugby league and the community in the 2005 New Year honours list.
Hull FC 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 for 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 [Pearson], our board and everyone associated with Hull FC, we send our heartfelt condolences to Joan, Kim, Jane and the rest of the family, who will always be part of the family at this club.”
