Family and Leeds' rugby league world pays tribute to coach Rocky Whitehead who has died aged 73

Stephen 'Rocky' Whitehead who has spent more than three decades working to get youngsters into sport and rugby with club Oulton Raiders died in St James' Hospital last night (Sunday December 27).

He suffered a heart attack at the beginning of December and had been treated at LGI and was hoping to be discharged but contracted COVID.

Son Chris said: "Put it all together and he was not able to make it."

Rocky, who lived at Oulton, was a huge Wakefield Trinity fan and the club tweeted today: "The Club are saddened to hear of the passing of Trinity fan, Rocky Whitehead. Everyone at Trinity send their condolences to Rocky’s family and friends."

Rugby League Cares, an independent charity with a focus on player welfare, mental fitness and championing the game's heritage posted: "Rocky was a true #RugbyLeague legend who made a positive difference to the lives of thousands of players young and old during his lifelong involvement with the game."

Wakefield Trinity's stadium announcer, Phil Seymour, also posted on twitter: "Very sad to hear of the passing of #rugbyleague legend Rocky Whitehead. Every club needs a heartbeat, a person who drives others on and makes things happen, for @OultonRaiders @OultonRaidersOA Rocky was just that. My thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at the club."

Chris added: "He spent nearly four weeks in hospital and we knew most likely he would not come back. There is a sense of relief that he is no longer suffering and that is overtaken by pride when you look at the messages that we are getting. It is making today so much easier than potentially what it could have been. Just to be hearing the messages really warms the heart. His lasting legacy will be the amount of young people who will remember him and that he taught about rugby."