It was with much sadness that the club learned today of the passing of Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Physical Disability Rugby League player James Addyman, aged 23, after a brave battle with cancer.

James was part of the charity’s first PDRL team formed in 2018 and was an influential player during the inaugural season. He had returned to playing rugby after losing an arm and shoulder to cancer.

He was originally diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer in 2017 and had his right arm and shoulder joint removed and earlier this year he had further chemotherapy after cancerous nodules were found on his lung.

A proud Cumbrian, he also played for Carlisle and Keswick 2nds and was named the Community Hero in the 2018 Cumberland News awards after he abseiled down the side of a Newcastle hotel to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which helped him during his treatment.

Phil Caplan, Chairman of Leeds Rhinos Foundation said: “James was a wonderful player and ambassador, who epitomised everything that was best about PDRL. Admired by all who had the privilege of watching him score some sensational tries, he was an absolute inspiration to his team-mates who loved having him around the dressing room.”

The team will retire the number four shirt in James’ honour and there will be a minute’s silence ahead of the PDRL exhibition team against Castleford this Sunday 17th November at Brotherton Bulldogs.

On behalf of everyone at Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Rhinos Foundation we would like to pass our condolences to James’ family and friends.