Ultimate underdog coach Kear's rugby league passion shone through

"It's good night Vienna for Sheffield in Paris," was always one of John Kear's favourite commentary lines.

The ground-breaking French side Paris St-Germain had just scored the winning try against Sheffield Eagles in the first ever Super League match in the French capital in 1996, in front of a roaring crowd.

Delivered with a rising excitement and trademark chuckle, it captured his passion and excitement for rugby league.

Those who were there will remember that was a night when an incredible optimism came to rugby league. It was a night of unbounded joy for those who wanted to see the game flourish and John was always at the vanguard of that movement.

Rugby league's boundaries had been opened up, a huge French crowd had come to watch and John, part of the BBC radio commentary team, was loving it.

Sadly, PSG RL proved to be a passing phenomenon, but John's passion for rugby league was a constant throughout his entire life, as a player, an incredible coach, and a much loved commentator.

JK - as most knew him - was such a positive force. You were always delighted to be in his company. Along the way he collected so many friends and so many wonderful rugby league memories.

He was a man without ego, who loved hearing about the success of others. His positivity and joyfulness glowed.