RIP Terry Newton

The rugby league community is in mourning following the death of former Great Britain and Wigan hooker Terry Newton.

Newton, 31, was found hanged at his house in Orrell on Sunday afternoon, leaving a wife and two young children.

RFL chairman Richard Lewis was among the rugby league figures to pay tribute to Newton, as news of his death broke at the Championships Grand Finals day at Warrington.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Terry’s untimely death,” said Lewis. “This is a personal tragedy and our thoughts are with Terry’s partner, his children and his family at this terrible time.”

Newton made more than 300 appearances in Super League for Leeds, Wigan, Bradford and Wakefield, featuring in every single Super League season since its inception.

However, his career was cut short when he was handed a two-year ban last year after testing positive for human growth hormone (HGH), becoming the first professional sportsman to be found guilty of using the drug.

He made 15 appearances for Great Britain and won the Challenge Cup with Leeds in 1999 and Wigan in 2002, but was on the losing side in the Super League Grand Final four times.

A tribute to the hooker is expected at the 2010 showpiece between his former club Wigan and St Helens at Old Trafford on Saturday.