Career
In rugby league he played for Street Helens in the European Super League as a second-row before switching codes and joining Northampton Saints. Northey played for Street Helens at centre in their 1996 Challenge Cup Final victory over Bradford Bulls. Northey played as an Interchange/Substitute, id est (that is) number 15, (replacing centre Anthony Sullivan on 47-minutes) in Saint Helens" 16-25 defeat by Wigan in the 1995-1996 Regal Trophy final during the 1995-1996 at Alfred McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield on Saturday 13 January 1996.
He switched codes and joined Northampton in 1997.
He joined Rotherham Titans in 2000 for the tail-end of their meteoric rise through the leagues but a knee injury curtailed his playing career. He joined the club"s community department as a rugby development officer whilst running the under 18s and was offered the chance to take control of first team affairs following the departure of Mike Schmid in 2004.
Northey was a popular figure at Clifton Lane because of his sharp wit, no-nonsense approach and stories of the "good old days" of rugby league but was never considered a serious contender to lead the club on a permanent basis. Following the appointment of Andre Bester as Head Coach, Northey was offered the chance to become Assistant Coach but opted to take a similar role at Sedgley Park.
Northey now coaches Macclesfield in National Division One with Geoff Wappet.