Former Warrington full-back Whitehead dies at 81

Derek Whitehead spent 10 years with Warrington Wolves

Former Warrington full-back Derek Whitehead has died at the age of 81.

In a statement, Warrington said Whitehead had died on Saturday, 5 April at Fountain's Nursing Home in Swinton having been admitted shortly before Christmas 2024.

Whitehead notably lifted the Lance Todd Trophy having kicked seven goals in the 1974 Challenge Cup final as the Wire beat Featherstone to win the competition for the first time in 20 years.

Having begun his career at Swinton, Whitehead kicked 260 goals in 99 appearances before moving to Oldham in 1968 where he kicked a further 139 goals before joining the Wire the following year.

"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," a club statement said.

Whitehead went on to make three Great Britain appearances in 1971 and five for Lancashire between 1973 and 1974.

He made a total of 274 Warrington appearances before his final game in 1979, after which he joined the coaching staff.

Derek Whitehead was inducted into the Warrington Players Association Hall of Fame in 2008