WAKEFIELD DREAM OF LIFTING CURSE

WAKEFIELD players have vowed to reach the Grand Final to banish the club's "curse".

Captain Jason Demetriou admits players feared they were jinxed after the deaths of two team-mates.

Prop Adam Watene, 31, collapsed and died of heart failure in the gym last October. Five months later, Leon Walker, 20, died of heart problems during a reserve game in front of shocked team-mates.

Also, half-back Jamie Rooney 'died' for 30 seconds during a routine knee op before the surgeons started his heart again.

Hero

Forward Richard Moore developed Crohn's disease, losing three stones before doctors discovered the cause.

And last year saw the sudden death from a heart attack of former hero David Topliss, 58, plus the death of 72-year-old legend Don Fox.

Demetriou said: "Players would make jokes that we were cursed, but in the back of our minds everyone was wondering who was next. You can't help it when three people have died in such circumstances.

"David Topliss was part of my management team, someone I spoke to after games and someone I had a lot of respect for. For him to pass away too early was a shock. Then to lose Adam was an even bigger shock. But it was quite scary when we then lost someone even younger in Leon - and on the rugby field as well. For all of three of them to die of heart problems is the scary thing as well."

Suffered

Hooker Sam Obst suffered more than most. He was training in the gym when Watene collapsed and was making his comeback from injury in the reserve game when Walker died.

He said: "I was there when Adam died and was playing in the game with Leon. Then a friend of mine in Australia passed away.

"But it's fitting that we've made the play-offs for Adam and Leon. It will be a satisfying way to end. We need some good memories from this season."

Wakefield have dedicated the season to the memories of their two mates, sealing their first target last month by guaranteeing only their second ever play-off spot. The next aim is an historic Grand Final appearance.

Proud

Demetriou added: "To lead the team out in the play-offs, with Adam's name on my shirt, will be a really proud moment for me. But Adam wouldn't just want us to make the play-offs - he'd want us to do well in them. All the players believe that we can get to Old Trafford - it would be a huge honour to do that for Adam."

The club and supporters have so far raised 80% of the £50,000 they want for Watene's widow and two young children. A separate fund has also been set up in Walker's name to raise money for the RFL Benevolent Fund.

Wakefield also want the RFL to push ahead with plans to make heart scans available to all players.

Demetriou added: "We have spoken to the club about getting all the players scanned. I'm sure the RFL will do all they can.

"If Adam had been scanned he would probably have found out about his condition. He would probably not have been able to play again but he would probably be here today spending time with his wife and kids. It should not be made compulsory but the option should be given to players."

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