Quote St. Etrigan="St. Etrigan"First things first - my heartfelt condolences to all of his immediate family and friends. The tragic circumstances of this incident go wider than rugby. Terry RIP
But can I offer the viewpoint (and if I am completely out of step with the rest of the RL fans then I apologize for any hurt this may cause) that at the showpiece event of Rugby League in this country we should not be seen to be honouring a man who is currently banned from the sport due to willingly taking illegal drugs that , by his own admission, he was taking because he thought they were undetectable not because he made a mistake or had been taking them unbeknownst to himself.
Now with this being the very last domestic game it does put clubs in an awkward position. And I would fully endorse and encourage a minutes silence being held at the grounds where he has played for the teams Leeds, Wigan, Bradford, Wakefield at their next home games as that is a more personal show of respect. But, as is the case now, if a past player dies then it is very rare that this respectful showing is actually held away from the clubs he has played for.
If the RFL do decide to hold this silence on Saturday then I hope that everyone does respect it - but I have a horrible feeling that with the ill feeling some sections of the Saints support have towards the man then this could end up looking very bad - I hope I am massively wrong.'"
A very good point which you are brave and open minded to make at such a time.
I am someone that believes in honesty. So it would not feel right "paying my respects" at the grand final. This is not based on any club localty or even Terrys style of play. I just feel that giving lip service to such a thing would make me a shallow person and devalue previous shows of respect.
Given Newtons past I would hope that the honour of a minutes silence would not be given at the grand final. Terry was a grown man that walked his own path. I think that this would have been the case if Wigan had not been in the final. As Wigan are there I am sure they would want to pay their respects which I understand and respect.
I know there are Saints fans (as well as other fans) that share my feelings. I know this because I have talked to them. So if you also share my opinions please, please do not boo during the minutes silence. We should act with dignity allow others to play there respects. I am planning to sit silently during and allow others to do as they wish.
I have lost friends and relatives in the past. I know how hard times like these can be for the Terrys friends and family. So my genuine warm wishes and thoughts go out to them.
I am sorry if this post has upset you but given my feelings I believe that sitting down is the most respectful (or at least the least disrespectful) thing for me to do. I want to go to and support my team next week. It is not my fault that the RFL may put me in this uncomfortable position. But once again regardless of your feeling can we all allow those who wish to pay their respects to do so with dignity.
Before commenting on my post can you make sure you have read it properly. I hope you can respect my thoughts and feeling as I have (and wish to next week) respect yours.
Thanks