JORDAN Lilley has called on Bulls supporters to pack out Headingley as the rugby league family comes together to raise money for the Rob Burrow fund when Bradford play Leeds in a friendly on Sunday, January 12.

Burrow confirmed the sad news that he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease on Thursday and a fund has been set up to support the Rhinos legend with his treatment and his family in the years ahead.

The donations currently stand at over £90,000 and Leeds have announced that they will split the money raised from Jamie Jones Buchanan’s testimonial at Headingley with Burrow’s fund.

It is understood that more than 600 tickets were sold for the match since the announcement of the joint fundraiser was made.

Bulls half-back Lilley, who is a product of the Rhinos academy, played with Burrow before the latter’s career came to an end in 2017, and was heartbroken when he heard the news.

He said: “It was a massive shock hearing that on Thursday, it brought a tear to my eye.

“I was absolutely devastated. He is someone who has had a big influence on my career

“It’s sad news and I send my love to him and all his family.

“Everyone from the rugby league world has rallied round the donation page and really got behind it.

“I urge everyone to get out and sell this (Leeds v Bulls) event out.

“I hope we can get the 20,000 capacity to make it a special day.

“It is a rugby game on the field, aside from that there are two blokes’ charities that the money is going to too.

“Those people who are just thinking I will sit at home that day, I urge them to get out. Bradford fans always travel in their numbers.”

The pair played throughout the 2015 and 2016 seasons together at the Rhinos in which Lilley credits his fellow scrum half for teaching him the ropes of professional rugby league.

The Super League icon would often contact the 23-year-old even when he left for the Bulls, offering him valuable advice in times of trouble.

In particular, when the Bramley-born player was going through a tough time in 2017, Burrow was always available at the other end of the phone.

Lilley said: “He had a massive influence on me.

“He is an all-round top bloke and it is a real shock; it is upsetting for everyone.

“He is such a character and a good role model around the place.

“He did everything right and he is still someone I look up to.

“Off the field stuff he did with me and behind the scenes talking to me, taking me out for some kicking practice, even when I go to a different club he was still ringing me to check up on me.

“That really meant a lot with the place I was in in 2017. He would speak to me to see how I am.

“I owe him a lot. If there is anything we can all do for him now, we all behind him to help.”

Burrow won it all in his 16 years as a pro at Leeds, finishing his career with eight Super League medals, two Challenge Cups and three World Club Challenges.

He also won the Harry Sunderland Trophy on two occasions after producing world class performances in the 2007 and 2011 Grand Finals.

Lilley highlights how much of an inspiration his former teammate still is and believes he will always go down as one of Super League’s greatest.

He added: “You just look at the facts and the stats, and what he has done in his career, he has achieved more or less everything.

“He is a top-class player; he deserves all of the accolades. He is one true legend in the game and always will be.

“He is an inspiration to many.”

Although friendlies are often low-key affairs, this West Yorkshire derby deserves a sell out crowd.