Tragic loss of Newton will overshadow Wigan's final build-up

AS rumours spread about former Great Britain star Terry Newton's tragic death yesterday, there was a longing that confirmation would never arrive.

Possibly it had been a mis-understanding, a silly joke which had got out of control, maybe in high jinks after his beloved Wigan had reached their first Grand Final in almost seven years.

After all, the colourful Newton loved a laugh more than anyone. At the age of just 31, he had so much still to give.

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However, deep down, people soon realised the unthinkable had happened, it was genuine and they were only clinging onto desperation to feel otherwise.

Newton was rated as "one of the greatest players to play in Super League" when Great Britain legend Garry Schofield paid his tribute yesterday and others quickly made their own thoughts known, a sign of how much respect he still held despite the controversial way his career ultimately ended.

Many point to the two-year ban, handed down to Newton in February after becoming the first sportsman to test positive for the human growth hormone, as the reason behind his apparent suicide but it was probably due to a whole collection of issues.

Admittedly, he did concede he looked himself in the mirror on a daily basis afterwards and was sick at the sight, knowing he would forever be labelled a drugs cheat.

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He regreted doing what he did and the reputation he had built up through a career of hard endeavour would always be stained by foolishly taking the wrong option as he entered the twilight of his playing days.

Newton had suffered depression ever since the death of his younger sister Leanne, a former heroin addict, two years earlier and had been taking medication following the curtailing of his contract with Wakefield.

But he had also taken his punishment on the chin and was getting his life back together, running a pub in Wigan with his family and keeping his fitness up so he could return to the playing fold when his ban was over.

Former team-mates who had seen Newton in recent weeks say he was looking happier than ever and was in a positive mindset.

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However, depression is an illness which can be well-hidden and ultimately the ex-Leeds and Bradford player, who brought opponents to their knees with his brutal defence and cut them open with incisive ball skills, could apparently face no more, a real tragedy for everyone, most importantly his family.

He will be remembered proudly pulling on that Great Britain jersey and tearing into the Aussie's and for some of the bad-boy tackles which brought him controversy.

But the enduring image could be of those tears streaming when hometown Wigan lost the 2003 Grand Final, the fourth time Newton suffered defeat at Old Trafford and one of the few honours he never achieved.

Wigan will return there for the first time since on Saturday, and it is with great sadness Newton's demise came just hours after they secured their place with a thrilling win over Leeds.

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Many of the current Wigan side are former team-mates, such as Paul Deacon, Stuart Fielden and Sean O'Loughlin while Kris Radlinski is on the backroom staff there but the next few days will prove harrowing as they attempt to prepare for that Grand Final.

Newton's last message was on his Facebook site reading "luv u all but its (sic) end time xxxxx".

What a crying shame. It was far from that.

TERRY NEWTON FACTFILE

1978: Born Wigan, Nov 7.

1996: Joins Leeds from amateur side Wigan St Judes.

1998: After loan spell at Bramley, plays for Leeds in Grand Final at Old Trafford. Also plays two matches for GB against New Zealand.

1999: After 83 games and six tries for Leeds, joins his home town club. Plays two matches for England against France.

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2001: Hopes of figuring in Ashes series are ended by a broken arm suffered in Grand Final defeat to Bradford but plays for England against Wales.

2003: Decides to put knee operation back until the end of the year because club was suffering injury crisis. Rewarded for his efforts when included in the 2003 Super League Dream Team. Plays three GB internationals against Australia.

2004: Selected for Great Britain's Tri-Nations series.

2006: After more than 180 matches and 62 tries with Wigan, joins Bradford. Represents GB against New Zealand and Australia.

2009: Contract expires and released after 90 matches and 27 tries. Signs two-year contract with Wakefield but plays just twice for the club.

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2010: Feb 22 – Banned for two years by UK Anti-Doping Agency after failing drug test previous November. Wakefield cancel his contract.

June – Revealed he turned to Human Growth Hormone in bid to resurrect flagging career.