Great Britain star Newton found dead
FORMER Great Britain hooker Terry Newton was yesterday found dead at his home near Wigan after apparently committing suicide. The 31-year-old is thought to have been found hanged.
Newton had been out of the sport since February when Wakefield terminated his contract after he was handed a two-year ban for using human growth hormone. He also played for Leeds, hometown club Wigan and Bradford in a professional career that spanned almost 15 years.
Rugby Football League chairman Richard Lewis said: “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.”
Newton’s honours included 15 caps for Great Britain and a Challenge Cup winners’ medal with Leeds in 1999. He was also named in the 2003 Super League dream team while at Wigan, where he went on to score 74 tries in 185 games. After three seasons with Bradford, Newton signed for Wakefield last year but played just twice before his deal was cancelled following the positive doping test.
In a statement Wakefield said they wanted to “pass on their heartfelt condolences to Terry’s family”.
Wigan chairman Ian Lenegan added: “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. Terry will be remembered as a great player of this club and rugby league in general and he was a larger than life character.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Inquiries have been launched, but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.”
TERRY NEWTON | CAREER
Born Wigan, 7 November 1978
Clubs Leeds (1996-9), Wigan (1999-2006), Bradford (2006-9), Wakefield (2010)
Great Britain 15 caps after making his debut against New Zealand in 1998