Hull KR’s touching tribute to Leeds legend Burrow

Anyone who follows Hull KR on Twitter, will have seen their brilliant ‘mishmash’ anniversary piece to celebrate the club’s 140-year existence.

Designed by illustrator Alex Bennett, the piece is made up of Hull KR’s most historic moments as suggested by supporters and is full of colour and life, no doubt making any and every Hull KR fan smile.

It took Bennett 1,000 hours to complete the piece which not only recalls the history of the club but brings new life to it through his intriguing style.

Speaking about the piece, Bennett said: “I’m excited to complete my first ever Rugby League project. When the Robins approached me last year, I was excited to get involved in a club with such a deep and fascinating history. I hope I have done all the stories, and memories justice and given an accurate representation of all those special moments. Who knows, hopefully I’ll get asked to update it for the 150th anniversary to add a couple of new trophies.”

But the piece goes above and beyond recalling Hull KR’s history as it pays tribute to someone outside of Craven Park.

By now, we’re all aware of Rob Burrow’s plight and his courageous battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Moreover, it’s no secret that the rugby league world has united around him. Whether it was Bradford paying to play in the testimonial fixture in January 2020, Wigan’s special addition shirts embroidered with the one word each player felt the electric number seven embodied or Kevin Naiqama’s lovely words after claiming the Harry Sunderland Trophy, every club, it seems, has done something for the rugby league legend.

Even those outside our game have supported him. Just look at the tribute he received at the NFL yesterday, he’s truly inspired millions.

It’s been lovely to see the support for Burrow and, just when you think the love and kindness is ready to die down, another club steps up with a loving gesture.

Hull KR didn’t have to feature Burrow in their Mishmash, especially seen as though the image used of Burrow is a call back to the day he scored at Wembley against the Robins as Leeds triumphed 50-0, but they did. In fact, Burrow is the only opposition player to feature in the piece showing just how loved and supported he is by the club and indeed the rugby league world.

We couldn’t commission this piece without recognising one of the greatest opposition players we’ve faced in recent history and acknowledging all the terror he has caused our defence over the years. Keep fighting Rob, we are with you ❤️🤍 https://t.co/q7vjj4rB4P

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) October 18, 2021

Leeds’ official Twitter page picked up on his inclusion and thanked the Robins for the tribute: “Lovely touch from Hull KR to include Rob Burrow in their special ‘mishmash’ to mark their 140 year anniversary, Rob is the only opposition player included and the Robins have included him to show that he is never far from all our thoughts, top class.”

The Robins then responded stating that the Leeds legend, the rugby league legend, had to be included as a symbol of his character on and off the field and their ongoing support of eight-time Grand Final winner: “We couldn’t commission this piece without recognising one of the greatest opposition players we’ve faced in recent history and acknowledging all the terror he has caused our defence over the years. Keep fighting Rob, we are with you .”