38 Facts About Steve Prescott

Stephen Prescott was a professional rugby league footballer who played as a fullback in the 1990s and 2000s.

Steve Prescott made his debut for St Helens in 1993, and soon established himself as the club's first choice fullback.

Steve Prescott made his senior international debut in 1996, playing both games for England in their 1996 European Championship victory.

Steve Prescott went on to win a second consecutive Challenge Cup with the club in 1997, but was sold to Hull Sharks at the end of the season.

Steve Prescott changed his international allegiance to Ireland, who he represented at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.

Steve Prescott made one appearance for Lancashire in 2003, but suffered a serious knee injury while playing for the team, which ultimately ended his playing career.

In 2006, Steve Prescott was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer and was given months to live.

Steve Prescott set up the Steve Prescott Foundation in 2007, and went on to organise a series of money-raising initiatives.

Steve Prescott raised almost half a million pounds for charity through the foundation, and was awarded an MBE in 2009 for his efforts.

Steve Prescott was born in St Helens, Lancashire, England on 26 December 1973.

Steve Prescott attended De La Salle High School, and he was the son of the rugby league footballer; Eric Prescott.

Steve Prescott was introduced to sports from an early age, often playing both football and rugby league on the same weekend.

Steve Prescott trialled with several football clubs before opting to focus on rugby league during his teens.

Steve Prescott was playing for local amateur side Nutgrove before signing for St Helens in 1992.

Steve Prescott made his debut for the first team in September 1993 against Leigh, and scored his first try later that year against Hull FC Steve Prescott made 15 appearances and kicked 29 goals during his debut season, playing as a winger, or deputising for Dave Lyon at fullback.

Steve Prescott was a near-ever present throughout the season, appearing 34 times and scoring 20 tries.

Steve Prescott won his first silverware during the inaugural Super League season in 1996, scoring four tries against the Sheffield Eagles in the penultimate game of the season as the club went on to secure its first league championship since 1975.

At the start of the following season, Steve Prescott, who was reportedly one of the lowest-paid first team players at the club, was transfer listed at his own request after failing to negotiate an improved contract with the club.

Steve Prescott remained in the first team however, and was part of the side that won the 1997 Challenge Cup, defeating Bradford Bulls in the Challenge Cup Final.

In February 1998, Steve Prescott made his debut for Hull FC in the Challenge Cup against Whitehaven, and scored his first try for the club in the next round against Ellenborough Rangers.

In 1999's Super League IV, Steve Prescott missed two months of the season through injury due to a dislocated elbow.

Steve Prescott signed for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in 2000, scoring 3 tries in 25 games, but his contract was terminated after one season to ease the club's financial problems.

At the start of the 2003's Super League VIII, Steve Prescott scored a hat trick in the opening Super League fixture against former club the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Steve Prescott made a total of 107 appearances and scored 56 tries during his two spells at Hull FC.

Steve Prescott made his representative debut in November 1994, playing at fullback for Great Britain's under-21 side against Australia, who were touring Great Britain and France.

The 22 points scored by Steve Prescott was an individual record for most points scored in a single match for England until this was surpassed by Richie Myler in 2009.

In 1998, Steve Prescott changed his international allegiance to Ireland, qualifying under the grandparent rule.

Steve Prescott represented Ireland at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, playing in all four of their games before being knocked out by England in the quarter-final.

Steve Prescott scored one try and kicked 17 goals during the tournament.

Steve Prescott made one appearance for Lancashire against Yorkshire in July 2003 at Odsal Stadium.

Steve Prescott suffered a broken kneecap during the game, which was initially expected to keep him out of action for two months.

Steve Prescott did not play again for the rest of the year and required a second knee operation after suffering from discomfort when returning to pre-season training ahead of the 2004's Super League IX.

In June 2004, after failing to fully recover from the injury, Steve Prescott announced his retirement at the age of 30.

In September 2006, Steve Prescott was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare form of cancer, and was told that he would not see his two children grow up; he was given months to live.

Steve Prescott underwent an emergency operation in Basingstoke Hospital and a tumour was removed from his stomach.

Steve Prescott took part in a series of challenges, including running in the London Marathon, and cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats while completing the National Three Peaks Challenge en route.

Steve Prescott was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2010 New Year Honours for services to rugby league and charity.

Steve Prescott died on 9 November 2013, more than seven years after his diagnosis with cancer.