Ex-Oldham rugby league player found dead was 'larger than life'
GMP said Mr Martindale's cause of death had not yet been determined.His family are being supported by specialist officers, said a force spokesperson.The Roughyeds said their former player, who also coached at Oldham St Annes, was a popular face within the sport.Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust said Mr Martindale was part of the Roughyeds squad when the club reformed.They said his "powerful frame and skilful hands saw him pose an attacking threat every time he had the ball".
'Larger than life'
The trust said Mr Martindale made his debut as a teenager at Halifax Panthers and then had a spell at Wakefield before arriving at Oldham in time for the second competitive match of the 1998 season against Widnes Vikings.Mr Martindale played 26 games for Oldham that year, including in the final of the Trans-Pennine Cup against Batley, and scored seven tries before moving to Rochdale."He later helped Oldham St Annes to win the National Cup and has remained popular and a well-known figure in the amateur game," the trust added."A larger-than-life character gone far too soon."Det Insp Andrew Barrett, from Oldham CID, has urged anyone with any information about Mr Martindale's death to contact GMP.
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