Gerard James Stokes was a New Zealand rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s and 1980s, and coached in the 1980s through to the 2010s, who represented New Zealand.
10 Facts About Gerard Stokes
1.
2.
Gerard Stokes was a coach of the Serbian national side, and father of England international cricketer Ben Stokes.
3.
In one match, Stokes dislocated his finger, and asked for an amputation in order to play again more quickly.
4.
Gerard Stokes was named New Zealand coach of the year that season.
5.
Gerard Stokes applied to coach New Zealand in 2001 but was overlooked for Gary Freeman.
6.
In 2002, Gerard Stokes moved north and coached the Wellington Franchise in the Bartercard Cup.
7.
Gerard Stokes re-applied for the job at the end of the 2003 season but wanted too much money and so was not reappointed.
8.
Gerard Stokes was sacked in August 2010, after winning only 1 game in 14, with a disastrous record 13 game losing streak that ultimately led to Whitehaven's relegation from the Championship.
9.
Gerard Stokes had two children from his first marriage, to Ferne Caldwell, and a son with his second wife, Deb.
10.
Gerard Stokes died at his home in Christchurch on 8 December 2020, aged 65.