I GOT TO SEE ROB A FEW DAYS BEFORE HE PASSED.HE GAVE ME A BIG SMILE WHICH WAS BRILLIANT

Kevin Sinfield opens up on loss of close pal Rob Burrow

- ADAM HATHAWAY

KEVIN SINFIELD says the last time he saw Rob Burrow he was welcomed with a wide grin, just days before his best friend passed away.

The England assistant coach - who will make a flying visit to the UK to attend Burrow's funeral next Sunday - admitted he had struggled following his old Leeds Rhinos team-mate's death from motor neurone disease earlier this month.

In a frank interview in Auckland, Sinfield revealed he has missed several tributes to Burrow at sporting occasions but he was at a site in Leeds (right) the day after his death, where an MND hospital in Burrow's name is being built.

Sinfield went straight into camp, before heading to Japan and then down to New Zealand where the England party, led by head coach Steve Borthwick, wrapped their arms around him.

"That weekend was tough," said Sinfield. "I got to see him on the Thursday before he passed.