David Stephenson - Playing Career

Playing Career

Stephenson began his career with Salford. He left Salford for Wigan in 1981 for a club record fee of £60,000 (based on increases in average earnings, this would be approximately £275,000 in 2010). He won caps for Great Britain while at Wigan in 1982 against Australia (2 matches).

Stephenson played at centre, i.e. number 3, in Wigan's 15-4 victory over Leeds in the 1982–83 John Player Trophy final at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 22 January 1983.

Stephenson played in Wigan's 6-19 defeat to Widnes in the 1983–84 Challenge Cup final. He played at centre, i.e. number 3, and scored a conversion in the 28-24 victory over Hull in 1984–85 Challenge Cup final. Stephenson played at centre, i.e. number 3, and scored 3-conversions in Wigan's 14-8 victory over New Zealand at Central Park, Wigan on Sunday 6 October 1985 . He played at centre, i.e. number 3, and scored 7-conversions in Wigan's 34-8 victory over Warrington in the 1985–86 Lancashire Cup final at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Sunday 13 October 1985. He scored a conversion in Wigan's 11-8 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers in the 1985–86 John Player Special Trophy final at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 11 January 1986. Stephenson received Wigan's "Player of the Year" award for the 1985–86 season.

Stephenson played for Great Britain in 1986 against Australia. He played at centre, i.e. number 3, in Wigan's 27-6 victory over Oldham in the 1986–87 Lancashire Cup final at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Sunday 19 October 1986.

Stephenson played on the wing, i.e. number 2, in Wigan's 18-4 victory over Warrington in the 1986–87 John Player Special Trophy final at Burnden Park, Bolton on Saturday 10 January 1987. He played in Wigan's victory in the 1986–87 Rugby Football League Championship. Stephenson appeared at at centre, i.e. number 3, and scored a conversion in Wigan's 8-0 victory over Warrington in 1986–87 Rugby League Premiership final at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday 17 May 1987. He played at centre, i.e. number 3, and scored 4-conversions for all of Wigan's points in the 8-4 victory over Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the 1987 World Club Challenge at Central Park, Wigan on Wednesday 7 October 1987. He scored a conversion in Wigan's 28-16 victory over Warrington in the 1987–88 Lancashire Cup final at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Sunday 11 October 1987. In 1987 Stephenson also represented Great Britain against France, and Papua New Guinea.

While at Leeds he played for Great Britain in 1988 against France, Papua New Guinea, Australia (2 matches), and New Zealand.