Rugby campaign honours tragic Terry Newton

RUGBY league stars will support a new mental health campaign in memory of Wakefield star and ex-Great Britain international Terry Newton, who killed himself at his home last year.

This weekend’s round 27 of the Super League will see all 14 clubs and their stars united in supporting the State of Mind campaign.

It was launched in memory of Newton, who was found hanged last September.

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Newton had his contract terminated by Wakefield in February last year after being suspended for two years for a positive drug test for human growth hormone.

The father of two young girls played as a hooker for his hometown club Wigan, as well as Leeds and Bradford.

The Rugby Football League says all Super League Round 27 fixtures in the UK will be branded as State of Mind events, reaching out to thousands of fans watching in the stadiums and at home.

Clubs will also hold events highlighting mental health issues and avenues of support available for those who need help.

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Wigan Warriors stalwart Ernie Benbow, who founded the State of Mind campaign, said: “Following the loss of Terry Newton, many within the rugby community wanted to do something to tackle the issues of mental well-being for both our players and our supporters.

“Men are three times more likely to take their own lives and it is vital that we open the conversation of mental well-being up to everyone involved in the Sport.”

Newton, 31, was found hanged at home in Orrell, Wigan, after he left notes around the house expressing a desire to end his life.