Former Great Britain skipper dies

The Wigan-born former Warrington loose forward, who was confined to a wheelchair for the last 12 months, lost consciousness last night and passed away today, a family spokesman said.

He leaves a widow, Erica, and two sons, five-year-old Ben and nine-year-old Sam.

The Gregory family traced his illness back to an insect bite while on tour of Australia with the Great Britain academy team in 2003. It is thought the bite caused Mike to develop progressive muscular atrophy, a form of motor neurone disease.

He spent the last three years battling the illness and won many new admirers for his courage in adversity.

Gregory played virtually his entire career with Warrington and won 20 caps for his country, the most memorable of them in the third Test in Sydney in 1988 when his long-range try clinched the first British victory over Australia in a decade.

He also captained Great Britain to two Test series victories over New Zealand.

He began the Super League era as assistant to coach Shaun McRae at St Helens, who lifted the inaugural Super League title and twice won the Challenge Cup at Wembley during his time on the staff.

He then coached Swinton before joining the backroom staff at Wigan, initially as academy coach and then as assistant to Stuart Raper.

He succeeded Raper at his home-town club in July 2004 and, after guiding the Warriors to a an 11-match unbeaten run culminating in a Grand Final appearance, he was given the job full time on a two-year contract.

He took Wigan to the Challenge Cup final the following May but that was to prove his last match.

Former Wigan and Great Britain centre Joe Lydon said: "Anyone who played with him or against him or watched him play would have respected Mike for his courage.

"He brought that same courage to his fight against an appalling illness. We are all lucky to have known him."

Former Wigan and Great Britain player Phil Clarke, now a television commentator, said on Sky Sports News: "Mike, as a leader, was absolutely inspirational.

"He had time for everybody in the squad. As a young player, he had time for you.

"It's a very sad day for his family, friends and people in rugby league after he contributed so much. He was a tremendous player for Warrington, then later as a coach at both St Helens and Wigan.

"The biggest thing you'll find from anyone who had the fortune to meet Mike is the respect they had for him."

Warrington were quick to pay tribute to their former player.

"Everyone at Warrington Wolves, players, staff and fans send their condolences to Mike's wife Erica and his two young sons Sam and Ben."

Wolves chairman Lord Hoyle added: "I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Mike's death and my thoughts go out to his family and friends.

"Mike served our club with distinction as a player for 12 years, including captaining Warrington in their last Challenge Cup final appearance in 1990.

"Mike's brave battle against illness and his efforts to raise awareness of progressive muscular atrophy has been an inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed, particularly by all his friends here at Warrington Wolves."

Wolves coach Paul Cullen was a friend and former team-mate of Gregory.

"It's a very sad day for us all, I have lost a true friend, my thoughts are with his family and friends."

Warrington are accepting tributes and will open a book of condolence.