The family of a former rugby league player who died in his sleep aged only 34 believe he may have been struck down by an adult form of cot death.

Paul White, of Allerton, won many fans during a career spanning more than a decade and prided himself on his fitness.

The 34-year-old died last Friday - less than seven months after deciding to quit the game he loved to spend more time with his family.

A post-mortem examination showed no apparent signs of a heart attack, and his wife Brenda today said she was baffled by the cause of his death.

Speaking from the family home in Harrier Close, Allerton, Mrs White, 33, said: "He was a family man through and through. I still can't believe he's gone - I keep expecting him to walk through the door.

"He lived life to the full and was as fit as they come. It has crossed my mind that he may have died of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. The post-mortem didn't show anything, so we'll have to wait for the inquest."

Mr White started his rugby league career with Queensbury, and went on to play more than 200 games for York and Hunslet.

He leaves two sons, Jamie, 13, and 16-year-old Paul - who is hoping to follow in his dad's footsteps by one day playing at Wembley.

Mr White achieved his ambition of playing at the famous stadium when he appeared for Hunslet in the final of the Silk Cut Plate in 1997.

The teenager, who is having trials with Bradford Bulls, said: "He always supported us in whatever we chose to do, but making it as a rugby league player would have made him doubly proud."

Bradford-born and bred, Mr White made friends wherever he went. His brother Denzil, 33, said the family has been overwhelmed by the scores of goodwill messages they've received since his death.

He said: "Paul was our life. You could ask for his help with anything, any time, and he'd be there. We'd like to thank all his fans and friends for their support."

His close friend Trevor Etiene added: "He'll be sadly missed. He prided himself on his fitness, so much so that he always said he'd live forever."

The inquest into his death is expected to be opened and adjourned later this week.

Friends and fans are invited to attend his funeral at Westgate Baptist Church, Carlisle Road, Bradford on Friday at 1pm. The funeral procession will leave Harrier Close at 12.30pm.

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