Rugby league legend Syd Hynes has tragically passed away at the age of 80, his former club Leeds Rhinos have confirmed.
Hynes is written into folklore in west Yorkshire, with the former centre, who was born in Leeds, playing 366 times for the club between 1965 and 1976, scoring 158 tries.
He then coached the club, initially as a player-coach, with Hynes winning multiple trophies during his tenure, including back-to-back Challenge Cup triumphs in 1977 and 1978.
Hynes moved to Australia in the later years of his life and he passed away in Perth following a short illness.
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington, who had stayed in touch with Hynes throughout his retirement in Australia, paid tribute to him.
‘It is a sad day for the club to have lost a legendary player, captain and coach, who was an incredible character,’ he said.
Rugby league legend Syd Hynes has tragically passed away at the age of 80
Hynes (right) is written into folklore with Leeds Rhinos after shining as a player and a coach
‘Our thoughts are with his two nieces and Syd’s many friends both here in England and over in Perth.
‘We will pay tribute to Syd at our Boxing Day game and we will also look to organise an event for his former club and country team-mates and opponents to come together to celebrate his life in due course.’
Hynes also represented both Great Britain and England, making 17 appearances in the international arena.
In honour of his numerous achievements, the former centre was inducted into the Leeds Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2019.
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