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YOUR TRIBUTES

UPDATED JUNE 25

wonderful memories of you toppo in the black and white so long old faithful , paddy lawson and family

Danny Lawson

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David was not just a terrific rugby player. Coming from a keen Featherstone fan you may feel I would have been a foe to Dave as he was "Mr Wakefield Trinity". Completely the opposite,David was a local hero I would have loved to pull on a Rovers shirt. He was up there with the best I have ever seen.Besides the rugby he was one hell of an opponent at 5 aside football and gave me the run around on more than one occasion and the odd kick on the shins (don't worry he got the same back).
At the bar he was a complete gentleman and when you could get a word in (as he was a tale teller of epic proportions) he would give you that smile knowing he was the man and could talk the talk and walk the walk and to be truthfull nothing I had ever done in sport could touch this guy.He loved his family and his holidays in Australia and best of all I loved listening to his storys.
If you have ever met him you know what I mean when he had a certain glow to him that I for one will sadly miss aswell as his cheekey smirk.
Thanks for the memories Dave.

Dave Pell, Crofton.

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David was already a part of the Trinity squad when I joined in 1974 but his influence was already immense. My first task was to assist in the signing of Graham Idle - David's idea agreed to by Trevor Woodward and Jim Walker. Others like Mike Lampkowski and Keith Smith and then Bill Ashurst were all made with David's seal of approval - therein lies the basis of the Wembley team that narrowly lost to Widnes, but which without David's performance at Headingley against Saints would not have made it. He was small in height but a giant in attitude and belief in his own ability which made him a terror at the start of each season when 'pay' was mentioned, but his heart often took over when finances were tight and his move to Hull almost sealed the future of the Trinity. We saw each other occasionally after I left in 1986, but he remained the nearest thing RL had to a gentleman - indeed he was a gentle man with his family and friends. I never for one moment thought that I would be able to write this - he was always fit and so alive. His life has left so many wonderful memories which will live as long as the game is watched, talked about and loved - that is his true legacy.

Alan Pearman,
Wakefield Trinity Sec/Manager -74/86
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I met David at my fathers funeral two years ago, what a great bloke and a fantastic rugby player.

he and some of the other Wakefield trinity lads really helped me through a bad time.

best wishes to his family, a very sad loss.

Craig Smith (Keith's son)

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david rest in peace, my thoughts are with your family.

love from Andy Hunter ( leeds )

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I am very saddened to hear of Toppo's death. I played with him for Great Britain Under 19s and signed on at Wakefield at the same time in 1968. It was a great honour to have played along side him. He will be sadly missed. Condolences to his family. Rest in Peace.

Ken Endersby

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Thanks David for all the great memories you gave to all Trinity supporters as a player & coach . you will always be a legend of the game , thanks for many a great memory . R.I.P.

Phil Ridge
Wakefield

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I signed the same night as toppo in1968,and played with him for 10 years.he was a true great and will be sadly missed.my

condolences to his family. R.I.P.

George Ballantyne

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Shocked to see the passing of one of the greatest players I ever saw play the game. The guy oozed class on and off the field and transformed the Oldham side I watched on his arrival. Phrases like "broke the mould" are often bounded about without thought but in TOPPO'S case I really do think the world is a lesser place for his loss.

Steve Curley ORLFC FAN

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What chance is there for the rest of us! A fit, friendly, non drinking, non smoking, happily married gentleman.

Life is just not fair

David R.I.P.

Gary Heginbottom

Ex Great Britain U21 Rugby Union player – friend of Davids.

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Dave "Toppo" Topliss you were a good pal and an inspiration to all who knew you, many a good time we have had I will miss you greatly.

Adrian Oldfield

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I had the great honour to play with David who brought so many great times at the end of his career to Oldham. He was not just a superb player but a great mentor for so many of us young guys who were coming through the ranks. He will be so sadly missed to life not just rugby.

Mick Worrall

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I began at 17 years old playing with Dave at Wakefield and then ended my career playing with him at Hull FC in two cup finals. One of the greatest players i have ever seen and known, a great reader of the game and lifetime friend.

My heart goes out to Darryl and family.

I will never forget you Toppo,

Kevin Harkin

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Im in shock and deeply saddened by this news today
Toppo was a legend and belle vue will miss him dearly
so many memories thanks to this great man
one that stands out for me is him being carried off the pitch by fans when he coached us to promotion in the late 80s
I had tears in my eyes then and i do now
Thankyou Toppo

Neil
Leeds

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I WAS ABSOLUTELY STUNNED THIS MORNING WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS.I REFEREE IN THE 5 A SIDE LEAGUE WHERE THIS AWFUL TRAGEDY OCCURRED & TO HAVE SUCH A LEGEND ADDRESS ME AS SIR WAS EMBARRASSING AT TIMES BUT THAT WAS THE MAN WHO GAVE RESPECT AS WELL AS RECEIVED IT.ON BEHALF OF WAKEFIELD REFEREES ASSOCIATION OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY & ALL THOSE CLOSE TO HIM,HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.GOD BLESS TOPPO.

MICK ROSE

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Very saddened to hear of David's death; my condolences to his family and many friends. A very sad loss to the sport made even sadder by him being so young. As a young Wigan fan we dreaded playing Wakefield when Topliss was playing. His ability to read the game and score a try from seemingly impossible situations made him feared and respected as a player. A sad loss indeed.

Neil Meadows
Wigan Fan

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FROM A RUGBY LEAGUE FAN IN MACCLESFIELD

RIP DAVID

A TRUE GENTLEMAN AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND HAVING MET YOU A
COUPLE OF TIMES I HAD A LOT OF TIME FOR YOU AS A PERSON AND AS A
RL PLAYER.

MY THOUGHTS ALWAYS TO FAMILY

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A tribute to David Topliss

David had a long and intense love affair with Rugby League. I was privileged to play alongside him for 8 years at Belle Vue in the 1970's. Following the pre-eminence of Wakefield Trinity in the 1960's, the 1970's was a much less illustrious period in the famous club's history and in many ways it is a mark of the man that he stayed loyal and true to his home town team for so long. Indeed many fans would argue that because of David's allegiance the club was able to retain some status in the 1970's.There were many attempts to lure him away but he was devoted to Trinity and by sheer example he embedded that devotion in the rest of us - he was an inspirational presence – a truly talismanic figure.

His sheer passion for Rugby League and the intensity that he brought on to the field was an influential example to a generation of players at Belle Vue. He constantly endeavoured to improve his own game both technically and analytically. Initially his game was based on elusiveness and blistering speed-off-the-mark but he transformed himself into a tactician, strategist and play-maker which, allied to his intrinsic pace, made him a formidable attacking player (epitomised by his decisive and dramatic break which produced the last minute try against St. Helens to take Trinity to Wembley in 1979).

He left Trinity somewhat reluctantly in 1981 to assume the captaincy at a progressive and ambitious Hull F.C. where he led a team peppered with talented Antipodeans. Needless to say Hull prospered as never before in their history and David at last began to accumulate the winners' medals he so richly deserved.

David initially inherited the Number 6 shirt at Belle Vue from another great player, Harold Poynton and took great pride in his accession. He was always aware of the magnitude of the task he faced in succeeding Harold and this was one of his early motivations. How well he succeeded – he achieved everything within his boyhood dreams –skippering and coaching his home-town team, captaining Great Britain against Australia, lifting the Rugby League Cup and winning the Lance Todd trophy –what a player and what an inspiration.

It was a great honour to have played alongside him and an even greater honour to have been a pal. So many of us will miss him and what he represented because together they were the very essence of a sporting dream.

Les Sheard

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Sad to hear of Toppo's untimely passing, a true legend, our condolences to Davids family.

Denise and Tony Fozard (Wakefield Supporters)

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Dave Topliss died as he lived, playing with a ball, team mates and competing I loved watching him play from 1968 until he left Trinity to play with Hull. Trinity's loss was Hulls gain unfortunately no one is going to gain from this loss R I P

Steve Booth

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I remember David when he used to service cars at Westgate Motors back in the late 60's early 70's. And later on at Wakefield Trinity where I used to see him after the matches in the boot room where my father worked with and along side the players. Frank Ryals my father would I am sure be very saddened to hear such tragic news. Our hearts go out to David's family he will be missed by all who new him.

Sincerely yours

David Ryals

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A tragic loss to the rugby league family. Your contribution to the great game will be fondly remembered and you will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences to David`s family and friends you are in our thoughts and prayers during your time of sorrow. RIP David.

Sally B

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David was not only a great footballer but a great human being and we had many great times during his playing days in australia and his many visits. it was a pleasure to know him and call him a mate.

Brian chapman,sydney australia

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I met Toppo when I played in the UK and we got to know each other quite well when I was player/coach at Wakefield. He was a great bloke who always took time out to have a chat about footy. He was passionate about rugby League, whether it be local, Super League or the International game. He had been there and done that as a player both in the UK and in Australia. I like meeting players of previous eras and in my time in the UK met many great ex players like Toppo, Alan Hardisty, Roger Millward, Mal Reilly etc and it is great to hear their stories from the era they played in. I am pretty sure that no mater what era David played in he would have been a great player.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Toppo when he came out to Australia a couple of years ago with a touring supporter's party with David Howes and I was looking forward to doing the same this year for the World Cup. Former Wakefield player Geoff Bagnall and I were only talking about Toppo a couple of weeks ago and we were both in agreeance that he was a champion bloke.

Toppo rest in peace mate and I am truly glad that our paths crossed on a number of occasions and you will be sorely missed by so many people but those people will all have many great memories of you that will last a lifetime.

Regards

Adrian Vowles
Executive Officer
Burleigh Bears RLFC


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still sinking in hours later cannot beleive it.
Privileged to have seen him play on many occasions,
allways wore the black and white irregular hoops with pride
many memories especially the 82 replay at elland road
what a great player and gentleman R I P TOPPO.
You will be sadly missed Dave LEGEND Topliss.
Deepest sympathy to all family and freinds.

Penrose family east hull.

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terrible sad news , David topliss was a tremendous player and person I hope this can help trinity to win the challenge cup as a tribute to this great Wakefield player . it is such a shock as he was such a fit active person who will be sadly missed by many

Henry Sharp

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I had the pleasure of meeting David many times when I worked for several Yorkshire clubs. The term 'gentleman" is often misused when people pass on. However in David's case to call him a gentleman is to understate the case. As well as being a true RL legend and a brilliant coach, "Toppo" was the true Gentleman of Rugby League. Rest In peace Dave, and long may you be remembered by all who saw you play or met you.

Derek Blackham. Milwaukee Wisconsin U S A.

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a truly great player one of the best i have seen. the scorge of Leeds on many occasions.he will be sadly missed.it was apriviledge to watch him play even if you were on the reciving end.sincere condolences to his family.

David Freer Leeds fan

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A very sad day - Even though I played for the other rugby team in the town (Wakefield RFC) Topo was my rugby hero and along with Wally Lewis was the best player to wear the trinity shirt in my lifetime. his sidestep, distribution, vision and pace was absolutely brilliant



Lets hope that the current team can lift themselves for his memory and take us back to Wembley for the first time since his brilliant performance in a losing team in 1979
God bless Toppo
T-O-T-O-P-T-O-P-O Toppo

Steve Cruise

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Have so so many great memories of Toppo, watching him playing for his beloved Wakefield Trinity so many times especially in the 1979 Challenge Cup Semi and Final, playing an outstanding game for Hull in the 1982 replay, coaching Wakefield to Yorkshire Cup success. I started watching in 1978 and he has been Wakefield Trinity for me. Have spent many hours with him organising fundraising events, listening to his great stories from the game, his passion for the game always there. Having spoken to him Sunday I still cannot believe it. Thoughts are with his family. Gone but never ever forgotten. Toppo rugby league legend and friend.

Sue Parker, Wakefield.

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We always gave Dave Topliss a lot of stick when I was a lad growing up as a Leeds fan, that was always the sign of a great player and he was very good. A tragic loss for his family and the game. What he achieved in the game will never be forgotten RIP DAVE

Richard Atkinson Rhinos Fan.

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A true great of the game.

What a terrible, sad irony that he will not be there to watch the two teams he served so well play in the Cup semi-final.

You leave so many wonderful rugby memories Toppo R.I.P.

Paul Edson, Ireland

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I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of Dave Topliss.

My dad worked with him at Walter Moore's many years ago and while I happily tell my kids about footballers such as Kenny Dalglish, my dad talked about Dave Topliss with the same enthusiasm.

I only really remember him playing for Hull and coaching Wakefield and he excelled at both – a magician of a player. I remember a friend of mine once saying that his was referred to as "Mr Magic" during his time in Australia. What a compliment!

I got to know Dave personally when I worked for the Press Association in the 90s. We put a series of columns together for the Sporting Life website. It seems like only yesterday when I sat with him in his office at Topliss and King and his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game was incredible.

I was surprised he remembered me immediately when I met him in Greens gym ten years later and we talked often at that time. He was always interested in what you were doing and always remembered everything you told him.

I really warmed to and looked up to Dave. I am so very sorry he has passed away but a life of 58 years full of living, taking his chances head on and living his dream is surely better than a life of 100 years ruing missed opportunities.

My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.

Jonathan Wootton, Wakefield

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As both a Trinity and Leeds United supporter,I can only say the shock I felt this morning on hearing of "Toppos" untimely passing was similar to the day Billy Bremner passed away!

David Topliss was a hero to me growing up and will be sadly missed not just at Wakefield but in the Whole Rugby League world!

Hopefully Wakefield can now go on to lift the Challenge Cup at Wembley in his memory!

RIP "TOPPO"

Iain Plenderleith-Beeston,Leeds

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Shocked at the loss of a great rugby league player, and friend. R.I.P.

Keith Rayne

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Just reading the message from former player Geoff Bagnall sums it up. Loved his sport and affected so many people in a positive way. Rest in peace David - now in the eternal first team.


Geoff Taylor

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Sad news ... loss of a great player and fantastic ambassador of rugby league.

When he first came to Hull FC he had an injury and couldn't play for a while. The lads jokingly had t-shirts made with 'I saw Toppo play' .... A great many did see him play though and were priviledged to do so.

Steve Shepherd.

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What a leader,what a player in an era of many great players.The silky skills of one of the greatest half backs to play for the "Black and Whites" was a joy to watch We took him as our own but deep down we always knew Trinity was his first love.Rest in peace Toppo you will go down in history as one of the great F.C. players of all time.

wboddy

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David was great player and a gent he will be sadly missed david was on the howes tri nations 2006 with us and he made it a great time with his rugby stories he remembered them as it was yesterday our thoughts go out to his family .a great bloke

From ken ellis and family

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WELL WHAT A SHOCK TO HEAR OF TOPO PASSING AWAY!


MY OLD MATE KEVIN HARKIN TOLD US LAST NIGHT, WE HAD SOME GREAT TIMES AND GAMES TOGETHER TOPO


MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY - ELO

IAN ELLIS - AUSTRIA

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We knew David on a business front but always found him to be friendly, humorous and very knowledgeable. I, personally will miss our little chats about putting what ws happening to this country and what we should do about it. We could spend ages talking about things.

All the staff at David Moor Estate Agents, Harehills Lane, Leeds

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Dave was a really lovely guy. Very decent. One of the nice guys. It is such a shock and such an unfair shame. He will be missed tremendously and fondly remembered. My heart and thoughts go out to his family. –

Charleen Quinn

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My fondest memory in rugby league was of David Topliss intercepting the ball on his own line to set up the length of the pitch winner against St. Helens in the Challenge Cup semi final in 1979 at Headingley. Small in stature, he was a giant of a man on the pitch, a true legend. He will be sadly missed.

Paul Eyre

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A TRUE LEGEND AND A GENTLEMAN WILL BE MISSED
RIP DAVID

AM Wakefield

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I remember David Topliss and Kevin Harkin coming through as youngsters at Belle Vue, maturing into good half-backs. Topliss had the skill and grit to go on and become a true legend at Wakefield, Hull and indeed his country Great Britain. Rest in Peace David.

Gary and Carol

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My name is Geoff Bagnall and I was lucky enough to be coached by David Topliss, 'Toppo' to his players, during some great Wakefield years in the early 90's.He was a terrific coach and had a heart of gold, he made the Aussies feel welcome to his club at that time.I used to love our touch football games which could go on for hours. If Toppos' team wasn't winning we would have to keep playing until his team had won , such was his competitive spirit.Thankyou Toppo for making me a better footballer and a better person, may you rest in peace. I and many other Aussie mates will not forget you .

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Dear Sirs

I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of a true rugby league great in David Topliss. As a Hull FC fan the memories of watching Toppo scoring the wonderful "runaround" try in the 1982 Challenge Cup Final Replay and then lifting the famous trophy will never fade. The word "legend" is often overused but David Topliss truly deserves such status. Sincere condolences to his family and friend. RIP Toppo.

Craig Penny
Cottingham
East Yorkshire

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RIP Toppo, a true rugby legend and a gentleman

Hope the Hull v Wakefield Semi is a fitting tribute to a great servant of both clubs and the greatest game itself

A chorus of Old Faithful from all fans is a must

Karl Hutchinson
Hull Fc Supporter

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Watched Toppo playing for Wakefield from 1974…. Great memories…

1979 semi final when Toppo took the interception and a couple of plays later set up the move which saw Keith Smith send Andy Fletcher in for the winning score… has to be the overriding best!

Andyt

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David Topliss is a 'Hull Great.' My sincere condolences to his family and friends. I feel privileged to have seen his magic in the black and white on many occasions.

Best regards,

Nigel Leech


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As Chairman of our local association (Altofts Residents Together) we heard last night of the very sad news that David had died. Our organisations sympathy goes out to all David's family and friends.

Martin Walker

Chairman for Altofts Residents Together

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To all Daves family...

What a great guy and legendary rugby player.

He was one of my fathers favourite players and watched all his matches.

He was an asset to the game and will be an asset up there too.

Love and best wishes to all his familey

Lynn and Malcolm Ratcliffe - Hunslet, Leeds

Regards,

Lynn M Ratcliffe


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David Topliss
He leaves a big gap behind that surely can't be filled.
Condolences to his family and friends.

G. Pearson (Leeds fan)

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I'm so sad and sorry to hear about David Topliss' death. I'm really not surprised that he died whilst taking part in competitive sport- I know he played touch as well at the age of 58!
What a great Wakefield player, the master of the grubber kick when 10 metres out from the opponents' line and facing the entire defence. A master tactician, and a coach who took us to a position in the table we really were not used to !
He will be fondly remembered by all Trinity fans, and Trinity now need to go forward and take the Challenge Cup in his memory.

Steve Billingham
Nelson
New Zealand.


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A Great Loss to the game of Rugby League, will be sadly missed, Rest in Peace

John and Ellen Atkinson

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