England players and officials will interrupt their preparations for the Four Nations series by joining legions of fans paying their last respects to Terry Newton.

The England party fly out of Manchester on Friday night to begin their assault on the Four Nations in New Zealand and Australia but not before representatives attend the funeral of their former team-mate in Wigan.

The 31-year-old former Great Britain international committed suicide at his Wigan home 12 days ago after being sacked by his club and banned from the sport following a failed drugs test.

It is thought the father-of-two took his own life after plunging into depression over his career and private life.

The death of the former Leeds, Wigan, Bradford and Wakefield hooker shocked the close-knit rugby league community.

He won 15 caps for Great Britain but his career crumbled when he became the first sportsman to test positive for human growth hormone in November last year during pre-season training with Wakefield.

He was sacked by the Wildcats earlier this year after being handed a two-year suspension from the game.

The funeral is expected to attract hundreds of fans to Wigan Parish Church.

Past and present greats of the game will join his wife Stacey, their two daughters, aged nine and seven, and his parents Val and Anthony.

During his final journey, the funeral cortege will pass the DW Stadium, the home of Wigan Warriors.

A full inquest into his death will be held in December.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP