Cas remembered their former player in a social media post: “Kear was a Castleford lad, born on Wheldon Road, he would go on to spend a decade in hometown black and amber after making his debut for the club against St Helens at Knowsley Road on 1 October 1978.

“Part of the 1986 Challenge Cup winning squad as Mal Reilly’s assistant, John made 133 first-team appearances for the club, turning down other offers numerous times to stay loyal to his hometown. A true one-club man.”

Nigel Wood, chair of the RFL, said that after his 10-year playing career at Cas, Kear had “found his passion for coaching”.

“John was also an excellent broadcast summariser with a great turn of phrase and an undiluted love and positivity for the sport,” he said.

“On behalf of the whole sport, our thoughts and condolences are with John’s wife Dawn, his family, and with those who played or worked alongside him over the last 50 years.”