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Wakefield rugby league legend dies
The world of rugby league was in mourning today following the sudden death of Great Britain and Wakefield legend David Topliss.
Mr Topliss, 58, collapsed during a five-a-side football match last night.
One of Wakefield's greatest players, he spent 13 years with the club, from 1968-1981 and was captain in the 1979 Challenge Cup final defeat by Widnes, when he won the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match.
* Click here to watch Peter Smith pay tribute to David Topliss in the latest edition of The Sin Bin.
He transferred to Hull and winning the Challenge Cup in 1982, and also had a spell with Oldham and in Australia at Penrith and Balmain.
READ AND ADD TRIBUTES TO DAVID TOPLISS BY CLICKING HERE.
Capped by Great Britain four times, Mr Topliss also coached Wakefield from 1987-94 and remained a regular spectator at home games.
Wakefield general manager Francis Stephenson said the club was stunned by the news.
"It's a huge shock and a massive blow," he said. "David was still a big supporter of the club.
"He came to every game and he attended functions for us.
"He was at the game against Huddersfield on Sunday. I spoke to him briefly and he looked well."
Stephenson added: "From a personal point of view, he was my first professional coach. He gave me an opportunity in the game and it is a huge loss.
"He will be sadly missed and our thoughts go out to his family."
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
