RIP David Stephenson : Tue Mar 15, 2022 4:27 pm  

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/03/ ... tephenson/ Today, Wigan Warriors are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player and 1987 World Club Challenge legend, David Stephenson. After switching codes from Rugby Union to Rugby League, Stephenson joined Wigan from Salford in 1982. He had a debut to remember for the Club, scoring a brace of tries and a drop goal in a 20-12 win over St Helens in the Challenge Cup. Establishing himself as a Wigan’s regular goal kicker during the mid-eighties, Stephenson played and scored points in many major finals. He went on to win 12 trophies, including one Premiership, one League title, two Challenge Cups and the 1987 World Club Challenge. The former Great Britain international will always be remembered for the four goal kicks which secured the World Club Challenge trophy against Manly at Central Park on 7th October 1987. Shaun Wane, who was named Man of the Match in that game, said: “This news has made me so sad. Dave Stephenson looked after me as a young kid as I was getting into the first team at Wigan. I will never forget the way he treated people no matter who you were, he made everyone feel special. He was a really good bloke.” During his seven seasons at Wigan, Stephenson played 214 games, scoring 71 tries and converting 286 goals. After leaving Wigan in 1988, he went on to play for Leeds, Leigh and Salford for a second time. Wigan Warriors Executive Director, Kris Radlinski, said: “Another iconic figure in our Club’s history has passed away. None of us who were will ever forget that night against Manly when David scored all the points. He appeared such a cool guy who inspired many kids to play the sport. Rest in peace mate.” Wigan Warriors send their deepest condolences to David’s family and friends at this awful time.

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/03/ ... tephenson/ Today, Wigan Warriors are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player and 1987 World Club Challenge legend, David Stephenson. After switching codes from Rugby Union to Rugby League, Stephenson joined Wigan from Salford in 1982. He had a debut to remember for the Club, scoring a brace of tries and a drop goal in a 20-12 win over St Helens in the Challenge Cup. Establishing himself as a Wigan’s regular goal kicker during the mid-eighties, Stephenson played and scored points in many major finals. He went on to win 12 trophies, including one Premiership, one League title, two Challenge Cups and the 1987 World Club Challenge. The former Great Britain international will always be remembered for the four goal kicks which secured the World Club Challenge trophy against Manly at Central Park on 7th October 1987. Shaun Wane, who was named Man of the Match in that game, said: “This news has made me so sad. Dave Stephenson looked after me as a young kid as I was getting into the first team at Wigan. I will never forget the way he treated people no matter who you were, he made everyone feel special. He was a really good bloke.” During his seven seasons at Wigan, Stephenson played 214 games, scoring 71 tries and converting 286 goals. After leaving Wigan in 1988, he went on to play for Leeds, Leigh and Salford for a second time. Wigan Warriors Executive Director, Kris Radlinski, said: “Another iconic figure in our Club’s history has passed away. None of us who were will ever forget that night against Manly when David scored all the points. He appeared such a cool guy who inspired many kids to play the sport. Rest in peace mate.” Wigan Warriors send their deepest condolences to David’s family and friends at this awful time.

Re: RIP David Stephenson : Tue Mar 15, 2022 5:15 pm  

Another good one gone. David was one of the first really good signings we made after the dark years of the 1970s had ended. A solid defensive centre, but a skill merchant too who had great speed and knew how to put his winger away.

Re: RIP David Stephenson : Tue Mar 15, 2022 5:46 pm  

Sad to hear this, especially so soon after hearing about Inga. Another one from my childhood gone.

For me will be remembered for two things:

Kicking the four goals against Manly which ultimately won us the game.

Getting an absolute mauling from Alex Murphy in the dressing room in the infamous post match team talk "David you're a mile overweight and I want you at training twice a week or you're going on the list, no excuses".

Fair play to him he must have listened to him as he quickly became a supreme athlete.

Was a player I was hoping to meet for a chat and a photo this year as the club are planning a number of events with past players. Unfortunately it's very sad that won't be the case.

RIP

Re: RIP David Stephenson : Tue Mar 15, 2022 6:13 pm  

A good write up from Leeds as well: https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2022/03/15/ ... enson-rip/

A good write up from Leeds as well: https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2022/03/15/ ... enson-rip/

Re: RIP David Stephenson : Tue Mar 15, 2022 6:34 pm  

Terrible news . 63 is no age today. So sad.

Re: RIP David Stephenson : Tue Mar 15, 2022 6:43 pm  

Sad news , another gone too soon. One of the players who helped to get Wigan back on the up after the previous dark days.

Re: RIP David Stephenson : Tue Mar 15, 2022 6:48 pm  

MattyB wrote: A good write up from Leeds as well: https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2022/03/15/ ... enson-rip/ I travelled over to that WCC game v Manly with a couple of pals, and to this day it is still one of the most memorable games that I have ever witnessed as a neutral fan. Central Park was rocking that night and David Stephenson's points earned Wigan a fantastic and much deserved win on the night Whilst at Leeds he had 2 very good seasons and picked up a Yorkshire Cup winners medal to complete his full set Another former player that has gone far too soon RIP Dave

MattyB wrote: A good write up from Leeds as well: https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2022/03/15/ ... enson-rip/ I travelled over to that WCC game v Manly with a couple of pals, and to this day it is still one of the most memorable games that I have ever witnessed as a neutral fan. Central Park was rocking that night and David Stephenson's points earned Wigan a fantastic and much deserved win on the night Whilst at Leeds he had 2 very good seasons and picked up a Yorkshire Cup winners medal to complete his full set Another former player that has gone far too soon RIP Dave

Re: RIP David Stephenson : Tue Mar 15, 2022 8:34 pm  

MattyB wrote: A good write up from Leeds as well: https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2022/03/15/ ... enson-rip/ He was great for us for a couple of years, most comments about him saying the same thing, underrated, and one of the best wingers centre, I’ve not seen anyone with as good a draw and pass, still achieved so much in his career, there aren’t many with a complete clean sweep of winners medals.

MattyB wrote: A good write up from Leeds as well: https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2022/03/15/ ... enson-rip/ He was great for us for a couple of years, most comments about him saying the same thing, underrated, and one of the best wingers centre, I’ve not seen anyone with as good a draw and pass, still achieved so much in his career, there aren’t many with a complete clean sweep of winners medals.

Re: RIP David Stephenson : Wed Mar 16, 2022 7:01 am  

Fantastic in the game against Manly,kicks required kicks got by David.

RIP David

Re: RIP David Stephenson : Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:23 pm  

I have still got the 86-87 season review on vhs and he scored a lot of tries