A TOP rugby player has paid tribute to a fallen comrade who will be buried today.

Huddersfield Giants player Keith Mason was good friends with Corporal Jake Hartley, 20, of New Mill, who died alongside colleagues Private Anton Frampton, 20, of Longwood, and Private Daniel Wilford, 21, of Cowlersley, when their Warrior armoured vehicle was caught in an explosion in Afghanistan.

Cpl Hartley’s funeral takes place this afternoon at Christ Church, New Mill, with full military honours.

Giants prop Keith played in his side’s 52-0 Challenge Cup fifth-round victory over Swinton Lions yesterday and will today attend Jake’s funeral.

After the game Mason spoke about how his friend’s tragic death had affected him.

“It’s really sad for Jake, but he’s back home now and we’re putting him to rest today.

“It’s been a pretty hard time for everyone, for his parents and his friends.

“And it’s been a pretty hard time for me. I’ve had to deal with it and supported his mum through it all.

“Now, hopefully, everyone can move on.”

On Wednesday there will be a full military funeral for Pte Anton Frampton in Huddersfield Parish Church.

And on Friday, family and friends will gather to pay their respects to Pte Daniel Wilford in a non military funeral, also at Huddersfield Parish Church.