Huddersfield Giants forward Craig Huby has made a stunning gesture to support the family of tragic player Danny Jones.
He’s shaved off the bushy beard that was his trademark.
And Huby has been joined by other ruby stars in supporting a fund to help the former Halifax and Keighley player, who collapsed and died at the weekend.
Huby, Hull KR’s Tyrone McCarthy, St Helens’ Kyle Amor, Leeds’ Adam Cuthbertson and Warrington’s Roy Asotasi are all known across the rugby league world for their iconic unshaven appearance.
But they have joined forces to boost the fund set up in the wake of Jones’ sudden death on Sunday.
The 29-year-old father of five-month-old twins suffered a cardiac arrest in the opening moments of Keighley Cougars’ Kingstone Press I clash at London Skolars.
Within hours of the tragic news, the rugby league community was rallying round to support the ‘justgiving.com/dannyjones29’ fund, with the efforts of Huby and his bearded band of brothers helping to take the cash total beyond £40,000 in just one day.
And Giants Super League prop Huby couldn’t be more delighted about it.
“It was Tyrone’s idea via twitter for those of us with beards to lead the way,” explained Huby.
“I’d gone on to Danny’s ‘Just Giving Page’ to see what I could do to help, and shaving off the beard was immediately suggested. I had no hesitation in being part of it.
“It was decided we’d shave off the beards when £25,000 was raised and shave off our hair when it got to £35,000. To be honest, I thought that would probably be by the end of the week.
“But within a few hours, the beard had gone and a few hours later the hair had gone as well, although I didn’t have that much on top of my head to start with.”
Huby has had a beard since 2013 and intends to grow it straight back – which he knows is a small price to pay.
“The rugby league community is very tight-knit, which is one of the reasons why our sport is so special,” added the former Castleford Tigers player.
“The news certainly hit the Giants squad hard. Joe Wardle was good mates with him as they played for the same junior club, while Luke Robinson knew him well because they’re both from Halifax and are the same age and Craig Kopczak was a teammate of Danny’s in the Wales squad.
Huby said: “I played against Danny on a number of occasions, so I knew him a bit as well.
“So to be able to make the small gesture I have is something that means a lot to me.
“I’m sure with the way everyone is rallying to the cause the figure will continue to grow and grow, which is fantastic.”
Click here for a reminder of the famous beard of former Town midfielder Adam Clayon
