Derek Whitehead dead at 81: Former Warrington goalkicking full-back who won Challenge Cup dies after illness

DEREK Whitehead, former fullback for the Warrington Wolves rugby league side, has died at 81.

The club confirmed that Derek passed away on Saturday at a nursing home in Swinton, after moving in shortly before Christmas 2024.

Oldham Rugby League

Rugby league player Derek Whitehead has died at the age of 81[/caption]

Warrington wolves

He played for Warrington Wolves in 70s[/caption]

Warrington wolves

Derek Whitehead – rugby player passed away[/caption]

Derek notably lifted the Lance Todd Trophy – awarded to the man of the match – after kicking seven goals to beat Featherstone Rovers in the 1974 Challenge Cup final.

It was the first time the club won the competition for 20 years.

He was inducted into the Warrington Players’ Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

Derek started out at Swinton, where he kicked 260 goals in 99 appearances.

He moved to Oldham in 1968, where he sent another 139 between the posts, before joining the Wire [Warrington] the following year.

A statement from the club said: “Warrington Wolves send their condolences to his wife Ann their twin girls Jayne and Joanne, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and the rest of his family.

“He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.”

The accomplished fullback went on to play three times for Great Britain in 1971, and five times for Lancashire in 1973 and 1974.

He joined the coaching staff at Warrington after an impressive 274 appearances.

Derek started out life as a bacon butcher at Morris & Jones Cash n’ Carry in Pendlebury.

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