Terry Newton

[peasepud 59]

The world of rugby league has been paying tribute to former Great Britain player Terry Newton who was found dead at his home in Orrell on Sunday.

 

It is understood the 31-year-old former Leeds, Wigan, Bradford and Wakefield hooker, who was serving a two-year doping ban, took his own life.

 

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said: "Terry will be remembered as a great player... he was a larger than life character."

 

Bradford chairman Peter Hood added: "He was the ultimate professional."

 

Rugby Football League (RFL) chairman Richard Lewis joined the tributes by saying in a statement: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Terry's untimely death.

 

"This is a personal tragedy and our thoughts are with Terry's partner, his children and his family at this terrible time."

 

Wigan-born Newton's professional rugby league career began when he joined Leeds from amateur outfit Wigan St Judes in 1996, and he went on to play in the 1998 Grand Final as Leeds lost to Wigan.

 

In the same year, Newton won the first of 15 Great Britain caps in a Test series against New Zealand, and made his England debut against France in 1999.

 

One of Newton's team-mates at Leeds, Featherstone coach Daryl Powell, said he was "absolutely devastated" to hear of his former colleague's death.

 

"It's a real shame and I'm gutted," added Powell after seeing his team lose to Halifax in the Championship Grand Final. "That means more than a game of rugby league."

 

In 2000 Newton moved to Wigan where he went on to score 62 tries, feature in three Grand Finals and earn a pick in the 2003 Super League Dream Team.

 

Lenagan added of the married father-of-two: "Everyone at the club is devastated by the news. We would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Terry's family and friends at this time."

 

Newton joined Bradford in 2006, staying for three years before moving to Wakefield Wildcats, where he became the first professional sportsman to test positive for banned growth hormone HGH in November, 2009.

 

Following his two-year suspension by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD), Newton said: "I've made one of the biggest mistakes of my life and I know it is something I will regret for the rest of my life."

 

But he said wanted to use the experience to help educate other players about the pitfalls of taking banned substances and to help clean up the sport. Newton was also hopeful of resuming his playing career.

 

Following his death Wakefield said: "Wakefield Trinity Wildcats would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to Terry's family."

 

And Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington, a former RFL president, said of Newton's passing: "It's a sad loss. Terry was a very talented player but was clearly a troubled man."

 

Within hours of the sad news a tribute page was set up on Facebook with over 15,000 names showing their support.

 

Obviously fighting some demons in his life.

 

RIP

[Gemmill 47118]

Never heard of him, but 31 man. Sad stuff.

[wykikitoon 21504]

Was going to post this but didnt think many people follwed RL On here.

 

Sad day, remeber him playing for Leeds. Hated the cunt when he was at the Pies

 

Shocked & Gutted for his family

 

RIP Tezza

[shackbleep 0]

Awful when things get to this point

 

RIP

[tinofbeans 91]

"That means more than a game of rugby league."

 

Keeping things in perspective....?

 

RIP.

[wykikitoon 21504]

"That means more than a game of rugby league."

 

Keeping things in perspective....?

 

RIP.

 

Powell isnt the brightest of people.