Former Wigan, Leeds and Bradford hooker Terry Newton has been found dead at a house in Orrell. He was 31.
Former Great Britain international found hanged
Former Wigan, Leeds and Bradford hooker Terry Newton has been found dead at a house in Orrell. He was 31.
Newton won the first of his 15 Great Britain caps in 1998 while at Leeds, playing in the Rhinos' 1998 Grand Final side.
After moving to Wigan in 2000, Newton played 186 games for the Warriors and featured in three Grand Finals.
He went on to play 90 times for Bradford from 2006-9.
In February 2010 Newton was banned for two years by the UK Anti-Doping Agency after failing a drugs test for Human Growth Hormone. He was just two games into a two-year contract with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, but the deal was subsequently cancelled.
He is understood to have been found hanged at a house in Orrell, near Wigan, on Sunday afternoon.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called to a house on Harswell Close in Orrell, Wigan, following a report of concern for welfare.
"Officers went to the address and found the body of a 31-year-old man. Inquiries have been launched, but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death."
The Rugby Football League issued a statement expressing its sadness at Newton's death. "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Terry's untimely death," said RFL chairman Richard Lewis. "This is a personal tragedy and our thoughts are with Terry's partner, his children and his family at this terrible time."
Newton took over a pub in the Wigan area with his father-in-law following his suspension and recently spoke of his eagerness to work with the Rugby Football League to rid the game of drugs cheats.
He expressed a willingness to co-operate with the drugs authorities in the hope that he might be allowed to return to the game before his two-year ban expired.
A devoted father of two young girls, he was thought to have become distraught after being told that his marriage was over.
Newton scored 74 tries in 185 appearances for Wigan from 2000 to 2005 and chairman Ian Lenagan said: "Everyone at the club is devastated by the news.
Great player
"We would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Terry's family and friends at this time. Terry will be remembered as a great player of this club and rugby league in general and he was a larger than life character."
Bradford chairman Peter Hood said: "We are all deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic news. Terry was the ultimate professional during his time at the club and it was a privilege to have known as a friend and colleague.
"We send our deepest sympathy to Stacey and his two children at what is a very, very sad time for everyone who knew him."
Wakefield issued the following statement: "Wakefield Trinity Wildcats would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to Terry's family."
