HUDDERSFIELD Giants have led the tributes to Mick Rhodes, who has died of a heart attack at the age of 68.

He was one of the most instantly recognisable faces on the town's RL scene, at both amateur and professional level.

During his involvement with the professional club, he was matchday announcer at Fartown - a role he also played on an annual basis at the final of the Huddersfield Amateur RL Association's Holliday Cup - and held the position of the club's official historian.

He was a founder member of the Huddersfield RL Players Association in 1980 and was also a former secretary.

For the past 12 years, he wrote weekly reports on Giants' matches in the Express and Chronicle and also provided statistical information for the Press Association.

A minute's silence will be held for Mick and Fartown Hall of Fame legend Jeff Bawden (his obituary will appear tomorrow), who has also died, at Sunday's home game against St Helens. The players will wear black armbands.

"This will be a fitting way to honour Mick," said general manager Richard Thewlis.

"He was a friend to all supporters and a Fartowner through and through.

"Mick was always a willing worker for the club and nothing was too much trouble for him.

"His knowledge was incredible and I can never remember a time when Mick was asked a question about the club and didn't know the answer.

"The whole club is shocked and saddened by the news."

Mick also worked tirelessly during the club's time at Fartown, and former director and good friend Neil Shuttleworth admitted he found his help invaluable.

"It has been my pleasure to have known Mick and his wife, Pat, for many, many years," he said.

"He was a true claret and gold supporter who possessed and incredible knowledge of the club's famous history and its players.

"During my time as a director at Fartown, his help and advice was much appreciated, as was his practical help on matchdays with his announcing.

"I was happy to have known him and his memory will remain with me."

Although mainly known for his links with rugby league, he has been actively involved in many sports.

As a youngster, he played football for several clubs and was also a good cricketer, having once opened the batting for Huddersfield Schoolboys.

He was always an active bowler and a decade ago reached the Huddersfield WMC Merit final where he was beaten by Paul Sigsworth.