Bradford Bulls assistant coach Carl Forster is one of many people to have paid tribute to John Kear following the sad news of his passing.
Kear, 71, died over the weekend after commentating on the Challenge Cup Final between Wigan Warriors and Hull KR.
Tributes from the RFL Chairman, Nigel Wood, and Sky Sports commentator, Dave Woods, came yesterday, and now Forster has shared his thoughts on a man who was so loved by the rugby league community.
The former Wales, France, Wakefield and Hull FC boss was also the head coach of Bradford between 2022 and 2023, meaning that there are plenty of people still at the club who remember working with him.
Stepping in for Kurt Haggerty, Forster took press duties this week, and shared a fitting tribute to a rugby league icon.
“We found out about [his death] two or three minutes before we were going into a team meeting,” he said. “There were a few boys in that room that were coached by him.
“The room was rocked a little bit. All our thoughts and condolences go out to his family. He’s just one of the good guys in rugby league, isn’t he?
Forster continued to tell a story abou when he was head coach of Whitehaven and they were entering administration, Kear was one of the first people to reach out and rally around the Cumbrian outfit.
“We were struggling, and we were playing against Bradford. He was the first person that actually reached out to me, just offering his advice.
“He was banging the drum for the Bradford fans to travel to help Whitehaven out as a club financially. He was the big voice behind that.”
Rugby league world pays tribute to John Kear following passing aged 71
Forster and Bradford are one of many clubs to offer their condolences to Kear, with St Helens chairman Eamon McManus another to share his thoughts.
He said on the St Helens website: “John Kear was a true gentleman of Rugby League who was widely respected and admired throughout our sport.
“His genuine love for the game shone through as a player, a coach and a broadcaster.
“A remarkable coaching career spanned over 700 games, and his legacy will endure at every club he worked with, but his passion for the game was palpable and will be fondly remembered by all.
“On behalf of everyone at St. Helens R.F.C., we extend our heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends and loved ones at this sad time.
Hull FC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Head Coach John Kear.
An iconic figure in the British game, Kear led the Black & Whites to their iconic 2005 Challenge Cup Final triumph in Cardiff, and oversaw over 700 games as a coach across the last four decades.… pic.twitter.com/odY2sUNte1
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) June 1, 2026
