RUGBY league legend Garry Schofield has paid tribute to Danny Jones as “a great ambassador for rugby league” following the death of the Cougars favourite last weekend.

Former Great Britain star Schofield has been a regular at Cougar Park this season in his role as matchday host and admits he already “feels part of the club”.

As one of the best stand-offs the country has produced, Schofield is well qualified to assess the qualities which made Jones one of the best number sixes outside of Super League.

Schofield told the Keighley News: “I take a very keen interest in a lot of players’ career progress and I knew what a quality player Danny was from his time at Halifax.

“He made a great contribution to Welsh rugby league as well and, being a former half-back myself, I was well aware of the quality that Danny had and his leadership skills on the field.

“He was a great organiser with a fine kicking game and he was just a special player who led by example.

“Danny’s goal-kicking was superb and he was the type of player who could certainly turn those four points into six.

“I can remember the game against East Leeds at Cougar Park, presenting Danny with his ‘Champagne Moment’ after he kicked ten goals out of 11 and I think nine of those were from the touchline.

“He had all the qualities that a team requires from its half-back and he served not only Keighley but also Halifax and Wales outstandingly well.

“He got the best out of himself but he also brought the best out of his team-mates as well.”

Schofield said he admired Jones as much for his human qualities as his rugby ability.

“Off the field, Danny was a great guy and a true sportsman,” said Schofield.

“I always remember what my father said to me at a very young age.

“He said ‘let me give you a bit of advice, son. Every time people want to speak to you or ask for an autograph, always give them your time because it costs nothing’.

“Every time I saw Danny Jones off the field, he always had time for everybody – normal spectators and corporate people.

“That just showed you what a quality guy he was, not just as a rugby league player but as a person.

“He had time for everybody and I can’t speak highly enough of a person who does that because, let’s face it, there are plenty of sportsmen who aren’t like that.

“Danny Jones was just a fantastic ambassador for rugby league – it’s as simple as that.”

Schofield, meanwhile, is organising a charity golf day to honour the memory of Debbie Charlton, who died in a car accident in February aged 44.

Debbie spent many years working in commercial roles at Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls before spells in football at Guiseley and FC Halifax Town.

The Garry Schofield-Debbie Charlton Golf Classic will be held at Normanton Golf Club on May 26 next year and will become an annual event.

Funds raised will go to St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds.

To register interest, email Schofield at garry.schofield@thewestongroup.co.uk.