FORMER Bradford Bulls star Leon Pryce has paid tribute to his grandfather and “first role model” after he died from Covid-19.

Pryce, who came through the ranks at Odsal to win three Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and two World Club Challenges, posted a message on Instagram in honour of “the best man I’ve ever known”.

Pryce’s grandfather, Sydney Whitaker, lived in the Shelf area, and tragically died recently from Covid.

In his message, Pryce wrote: “RIP grandad. Sydney Whitaker. My first role model.

“The best man I’ve ever known. Worked hard all his life. Never complained. A gentleman.

“You were extremely proud of me but I was more proud of the man you were. Go look after my Nan and Uncle Chris. You’re the best man I’ll ever know.”

He accompanied the message with a collection of photos of himself with Mr Whitaker, many of his grandfather with a beaming smile, and old black and white photos of his grandmother and grandfather, and Mr Whitaker in his military uniform.

In his autobiography, Pryceless, Leon Pryce said he owes his grandparents “a massive amount of debt for the role they had in my upbringing” and said without them he would never have had the career he did

Other famous faces from Bradford rugby league commented on the post to send their condolences to Leon Pryce, including Elliott Whitehead, Stuart Reardon, and James Mendeika, along with former professional footballer Carlton Cole and former boxer Martin Murray.

After growing up in Bankfoot and playing junior rugby for Queensbury, Pryce signed for Bradford and played during the club's golden years, before leaving to join St Helens in 2006. He was also capped numerous times for England and Great Britain.

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