Inquest opened on rugby league star Terry Newton

Newton, 31, a former Great Britain international was found hanged at his home in Wigan last Sunday, shocking the rugby league community.

He was sacked by Wakefield earlier this year after being handed a two-year suspension from the game for using a performance enhancing drug. He was jointly running a pub at the time of his death and it is thought Newton took his own life after becoming depressed over both his career and private life.

During a brief, five minute hearing at Bolton Coroner's Court today, the inquest into his death was formally opened and adjourned until later this year. No family members were present.

Sylvia Berry, a coroner's officer, read a short statement to Deputy Coroner Alan Walsh. Ms Berry said the coroner's office had been informed that Mr Newton had been found in a collapsed condition at his home on the September 26 and a paramedic had confirmed death.

His father, Anthony, had identified his son's body at Wigan Infirmary. Further inquiries about the death were being made.

Ms Berry added: "Terry Anthony Newton was 31. He was a publican and professional sportsman and husband to wife Stacey Newton."

Mr Walsh said: "I am satisfied there are no inquiries which would prevent the release of his body to his family for funeral purposes."

The inquest was formally adjourned and a provisional date of December 20 was set for the full inquest to take place.

Newton, a father of two young girls, was known as one of the more colourful characters in the game. A hooker who also played for Leeds, Wigan, his home town club, and Bradford, he represented Great Britain 15 times, scoring three tries and also won five England caps. But his career crumbled when he tested positive for a banned substance in November last year during pre-season training with Wakefield.