David is a solid, combative and very committed player that returns to the
club this season following a two year absence. He is equally at home at
fullback, centre or on the wing and such versatility should serve the
Centurions well this season.
Alstead originally started with Ince St Williams and made a first team debut
for Warrington in 2000 against the team he had supported since child hood,
Wigan. Prior to that call up, David impressed many people with his
performances for the Wolves Academy team and he gained further recognition
with an appearance for Lancashire Academy in a 58-4 drubbing of Cumbria.
Over the next three seasons David continued his development at Wilderspool,
playing in 33 Super League games for the Wolves and 34 games in all. He was
named as one of three players that tested positive for ephedrine in 2001 but
avoided suspension after the RFL accepted that he had taken the stimulant
inadvertently.
After Paul Terzis was reappointed as Leigh head coach, he stepped in to
offer David another chance following his release by Warrington. Alstead
jumped at the opportunity with both hands and made 21 appearances for Leigh
in 2003, scoring 8 tries. Such was Alstead's consistent form, he was
selected by Steve McCormack to represent the National League Under 21s
against their Super League counterparts.
David agreed a further contract with Leigh for 2004 but after a promising
start to the season he fell out of favour and joined Rochdale Hornets on
loan. Upon his return to the club, David cemented a position on the left
wing, contributing several tries, including a well taken double as Leigh
made the Grand Final with a 30-16 defeat of Whitehaven before more than
4,500 at Hilton Park.
Alstead also played in the team that toppled Whitehaven after extra-time in
the Grand Final before joining Rochdale Hornets for their 2005 campaign.
Under the stewardship of Bobbie Goulding and Darren Shaw, Alstead enjoyed
his most prolific season to date, revelling in an entertaining Hornets
line-up. The Hornets expansive play saw Alstead, now playing mainly at
centre, net 15 tries from 19 appearances.
Last season David joined Swinton and played in 26 games for the Lions. He
scored 8 tries for the club with his coming in the National League Two Grand
Final. He was one of two try scorers in defeat for the Lions. David looks
set to play an important role in the squad this season.
