John Kear - 1954-2026

The Giants, like the entire Rugby league family, woke this morning to the tragic news of the loss of John Kear and send their deepest sympathies and condolences to Dawn and the family. 

Giants Chairman Ken Davy paid tribute to one of the games characters, heroes and genuine good guys.  

"I considered John a personal friend and todays' news hits home hard and my immediate thoughts are with his nearest and dearest.

"He was a Rugby league man through and through and I’m sure many tributes will flow today from all corners of the Rugby league world. The shocking news so soon after he entertained us with his comments on the Challenge Cup – as he always did on the BBC – hits us all very hard and reminds us of the fragility and cruelty at times of life. 

"John will always be remembered with the Wembley Cup Final heroics at the Eagles but he achieved so much more in a game where he was popular wherever he went. His ultimate career path of a being a coach enjoyed incredible longevity and may perhaps be unmatched in the UK game and he was always a welcome figure at our club over many many years.  

"We tragically lose a truly iconic figure in the modern era so soon after attending his spiritual home and the game is a poorer place for his passing."