On the BBC website it mentions thast John Holmes played at Leeds for 21 years - from 1968 to 1989. Is this true? If so, that is [isome[/i longevity.

Everything that has been written about Holmes suggests he was a classy player. Probably one who we'd kill to have playing now as there is a genuionbe dearth of creative half backs around.

I can't come to terms with this. The man was a God to Leeds fans of a certain vintage.

John was probably the most self-effacing superstar the game has ever seen. Modest to the point of shyness and a lovely, lovely man.

For younger readers, I'd liken him to Darren Lockyer because of the fact that he was a world-class (reluctant) goalkicker and full-back as a teenager, who then made the transition to become a world-class stand-off.

And I mean, world class as the '78 Kangaroos would testify after the way he came off the sub's bench played his considerable part in the 2nd test win for Peter Fox's Dad's Army side at Odsal.

I saw his astonishing debut at 16, against Hunslet at Parkside in 1968 (scoring a try and 10 goals) and his final first-team appearance as sub' at Barrow in 1989, watched him star in the 72 Championship Final, score 3 tries in a Yorkshire Cup Final defeat of Dewsbury, throw THAT amazing pass at fartown in the John Player defeat of Salford and star at Wembley in 77 and 78 when he should have got the Lance Todd Trophy.

In 21 years he gave rugby league fans of all persuasion a treat with his myriad skills, rare bravery and unique capacity to freeze-frame the action when he had the ball in his hands. The greatest players make time stand still and John did that so often.

A World Cup winner in 1972, he played for GB over 11 years - with his versatility (capped at full-back, centre and stand-off) he was the consummate tourist with GB in 1977 and '79 and with England in 1975.

It is a terribly sad time for all connected with Leeds because John Holmes was the greatest, most humble servant this club has ever had.

RIP John.

Indeed it is true.

Holmes was just about the last link from when I started watching, during the barren years of the early 80s, from the great Leeds team of the late 60s and 70s.

He spent most of the time towards the end of his career playing for the A-Team (reserves) and guiding around some of the up & coming young players of the time.

What his legs no longer had was exceeded by a wonderful footballing brain and the ability to find the gap with a defence splitting pass.

Given the sheer length of his career and greater number of games played during that time (think of the early 70s with the county cup, JPS trophy, Capt Morgan, floodlit and premierships etc.), as has been said on the official tribute on the club website the appearance record will never be exceed.

Basically, thirty games-a-season for twenty-one solid years.

That is some achievement, and he sounds like he was a genuine 'good guy.'

The last paragraph reminds me of Phil Veivers at Saints at the end of his career - the old pro guiding the young heads and completely dedicated to the cause.

Those were the days - the old 'A' team matches on a cold Wednesday - free at Saints to get in with a season ticket.

Anyway, rest in peace John Holmes. Sounds like a player RL should be proud of.

Condolences to John's family and friends, also to the Leeds Rhino's club and supporters, it's very sad news indeed!

John was a great player and I can well remember him and his halfback partner, Barry Seabourne, tormenting us on many occasions.

RIP John, a player and a man of the every highest calibre, his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who was fortunate enough to witness him play.

I consider it great privilege and honour to have been able to see John play this great game of ours, albeit towards the end of his career. Even in those final years in the Blue and Amber, what he was starting to lack in speed of the legs, he made up for in speed of his great RL playing mind and what could only be described as sublime passing of the ball.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all who have had the privilege to see him play.

God's speed John.

Still cant believe it - I really cant.

I still find it hard that at this moment in time (Monday at 1725 hours) Sky Sports havent even mentioned it on either their website or their TV channel.

Ever since I first started to watch and play RL, I always admired the stand off halfs. John was the first professional stand off I saw live and at close quaters. Although I have had the pleasure of watching some fantastic players since that time (and I don't mean just for Leeds), John was without doubt one of the very best in that position.
It is a great loss made all the more saddening by his relatively young age.

Typical Sky Sports - typical media as a whole not giving any rugby league issues a mention, quite a number of them don't mention the play off semi's this morning.

www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/y ... 5683645.jp

www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/y ... 5683645.jp

The word "legend" is used all too frequently these days....for me John Holmes is a true legend..I have never seen a rugby player who could pass a ball better than him.
This is a sad sad loss

Don't usually post on these things but....

Although i never saw him play and many wont of John Holmes helped the Leeds name become what it is today.

Every club have there icons in all sports, Walter Payton of the chicago bears, Babe Ruth of the NYY, Billy Bremner of Leeds United, Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool - John Holmes was and is the highest order of Leeds RL Icons

RIP John

John you were my first hero and I feel privileged to have seen you play so many, many times. You'll never be forgotten. Let's hope for a chorus of "There's only one John Holmes" on friday night.

I'll never forget a cup match at Headingley right at the end of his career when he side-footed the defence and broke through but because his legs had gone he slipped a beauty to Tony Currie who scored - sublime.