The former Great Britain league international Terry Newton has been found dead in an apparent suicide at a house in Wigan.
The 31-year-old had his playing contract cancelled by Wakefield in February after he was given a two-year suspension by the UK Anti-Doping Agency for testing positive for a human growth hormone.
The positive test was hailed as a breakthrough in the war against doping by anti-drugs campaigners.
Local police say they were called to a house on Harswell Close in Wigan shortly after 2pm UK time on Sunday, following a report of concern for welfare.
Officers went to the address and found Newton's body.
Inquiries have been launched but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
