Popular rugby player at centre of murder probe

THE man at the centre of a murder investigation has been named as popular former Rochdale Hornets Rugby League player Mick Martindale.

- BY DAMON WILKINSON, RAMAZANI MWAMBA

The 50-year-old was found dead at a flat on the Eldon Street Estate last Wednesday night (May 28). A 64-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and later bailed.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Coroners’ Court, which covers Oldham, confirmed a file had been received in Mr Martindale’s full name, Michael.

An inquest will be opened in due course.

Mr Martindale played for Oldham Rugby League Football Club - the Roughyeds - in the late 1990s and was a well known figure in local rugby circles.

Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust said he made his debut for Halifax Panthers as a teenager, before moving to Wakefield and later Oldham and Rochdale.

He won the National Cup with Oldham St Anne’s, the trust said. Mr Martindale coached kids after retiring from the game. Fans and former clubs have been playing tribute to the ex-loose forward known as ‘Tricky’