Former Hull FC captain Greg Mackey dies aged 52 after losing cancer battle

Tributes have been paid to former Hull FC captain Greg Mackey, who has died at the age of 52 after losing his battle with cancer. James Smailes reports on an Airlie Birds legend. It remains one of the most iconic images in Hull FC's history. Trophy held aloft, with that cheeky smile and glint in his eye he was known for, Hull captain Greg Mackey holds the Premiership trophy above his head at Old Trafford. It may be an image 23 years old, but that famous day is still etched in the memory of many Hull fans, who today cast their mind back to that final as the news arrived of the sad passing of Mackey. At 52, his death after a cancer battle is another sad example of a rugby great taken from us too soon. A half-back equally loved in Hull and Warrington after successful spells with both clubs, it was in England where the extremely popular player made his mark on the game and secured his legacy. A career that started with three seasons at South Sydney Rabbitohs, progressed with five years for the old Illawarra Steelers, but it was his arrival on English shores, first at Warrington in 1989 for a short spell, which took his game to new heights. Soon making the switch to Hull, the man known as Bluey lit up the Boulevard, with his effervescent personality and his style of play making an impression on everyone, as former Hull FC writer Richard Tingle recalls. "The biggest compliment I can give him is he was as good a human being as he was a player, and as a player he was right up there," explained the former Hull Daily Mail writer. "I think everyone acknowledges Peter Sterling is the best scrum-half Hull have ever had, but I'd put Greg second on that list. The influence he had on the club during that time was phenomenal, he made other players around him better. "Patrick Entat was a good half-back, Greg made him even better because of his knowledge, his style and the way he played. "He arrived in Hull and took an ordinary team on paper and made them a trophy-winning side. "I still don't feel people realise how big an achievement it was that Hull side beating Widnes to win the Premiership in 1991. Someone who hated losing, played tough, but always had a smile and time to talk to anyone, he was a gentleman to deal with and will be sadly missed." Mackey's status in the pantheon of Hull greats was assured on that May afternoon in 1991 against Widnes. As captain he helped steer his side into the Premiership Final at Old Trafford as the season reached an unexpected climax. Against the mighty Widnes, a side laden with international superstars and the hot favourites, Mackey was instrumental in Hull winning 14-4.

Hull FC are saddened to hear of the passing of former captain Greg Mackey and the club would like to extend its condolences to his family.

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) September 24, 2014

RT for Bluey! Greg Mackey's greatest day in the Black and White hoops. #Legendpic.twitter.com/oRV7dXSpiB

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) September 24, 2014

Picking up the Harry Sunderland Trophy along the way for his man of the match performance, it was his crowning moment in a Hull shirt. The three words he used as he held the trophy above his head are synonymous with Hull fans. Cheeky he may have been, but ask anyone who knew Mackey and they'd speak of his warmth and generosity. "It was a privilege to know him and play with him," says former team-mate and Hull FC hooker Lee Jackson. "He wasn't full of himself at all despite his talent and standing, and what a player he was! He was such a good organiser and was one of the reasons we did so well in 1991. He was key to that. "It was a shame he left us when he did and that side got broken up because we were a young team on the verge of something special." Diagnosed with cancer over a year ago, Mackey fought a brave fight against the disease, spending his final days on the New South Wales coast surrounded by family and friends. News of his illness earlier this year saw numerous fundraising events held and planned in Warrington and Hull to help pay his medical bills, events which are still expected to go ahead to raise money in his honour. The sun has set on a player who lit up the game, but the impression he left will forever resonate.