FORMER RUGBY LEAGUE player Terry Newton has been found dead at his home in Wigan, greater Manchester.

It is understood that the 31-year-old died by hanging.

Last February the hooker was suspended for two years following a testing positive for a human growth hormone (HGH). Newton’s contract was then cancelled by Wakefield, reports the BBC.

A police spokesman said:

Shortly after 2pm on Sunday 26 September 2010, police were called to a house on Harswell Close in Orrell, Wigan, following a report of concern for welfare. Officers went to the address and found the body of a 31-year-old man.

Inquiries have been launched, but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Speaking to BBC Radio last June, Newton spoke about his playing ban, saying: “I’ve made one of the biggest mistakes of my life and I know it is something I will regret for the rest of my life.”

It is the second death to befall the Newton family in two years. Newton’s younger sister, Leanne, died of pneumonia last year after becoming addicted to heroin.

Newton left a message on Facebook in the early hours to say: “Luv U all but it’s end time”. A tribute page on the same site has been set up in his honour, which had over 25,000 followers by Monday morning.

The Rugby Football League chairman Richard Lewis issued a statement about Newton’s sudden death:

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.