Rugby League Legend Martin Offiah Pledges Support for Garry Schofield After Brain Damage Diagnosis
Legendary rugby league winger Martin Offiah has expressed his unwavering support for his close friend and former Great Britain teammate, Garry Schofield, after the latter revealed his diagnosis of brain damage.
Schofield’s Diagnosis and Departure from Media
Schofield, who made over 250 appearances for Leeds and also played for Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants, disclosed his plight in his final column for League Express. The 59-year-old, who scored 31 tries in 46 caps for Great Britain, is stepping away from his media work within the sport due to his condition, which will eventually lead to the development of dementia.
Offiah’s Reaction and Reflections
Offiah, who had the privilege of playing alongside Schofield for the Great Britain national team, was deeply saddened by the news. “I was very sad to hear the news about Schoey – he’s obviously a good pal of mine. Like all his friends and former team-mates, I’ll be there to support him,” the legendary winger told Love Rugby League.
Acknowledging the inherent risks of the sport, Offiah emphasized the importance of recognizing the toll it can take on players’ health, particularly in terms of brain injuries and dementia. “We know rugby league is a tough, combative sport and there are going to be casualties, but brain injuries and dementia are the other side of it,” he said.
Offiah reminisced about Schofield’s early career, recalling the former player’s reputation as the “interception king” and the “poacher” during the BBC’s rugby league coverage in the early 1980s. He also shared fond memories of playing alongside Schofield for Great Britain, including a highlight from the second Test in Melbourne in 1992 when Schofield helped Offiah score against his “nemesis,” Andrew Ettingshausen.
Offiah’s Unwavering Support
The former Great Britain star expressed his unwavering support for Schofield, stating, “Garry’s plight is a sad one and I truly wish him all the best. As former players whose careers have ended and the cheering stops, we suffer in silence, knowing that we gave large parts of ourselves to club and country.”
Offiah’s heartfelt words echo the sentiments of the wider rugby league community, who will undoubtedly rally behind Schofield as he faces the challenges ahead.
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