TRIBUTES have been flooding in following the death of a West Yorkshire rugby league player.

Former Halifax Panthers star Ben Heaton tragically died in a crash last night (Thursday, June 22) at the age of 33.

In a career spanning 14 years, Heaton played for the likes of Oldham, Halifax, Batley Bulldogs, and Hunslet.

He spent the majority of his playing days at The Shay, making over 100 appearances for the Panthers.

The club will be holding a minute's silence before their Betfred Championship home fixture against Sheffield Eagles on Sunday.