St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham has paid tribute to Paul Wellens after the full-back announced his retirement from rugby league.

The 35-year-old was forced to call time on his playing career because of a persistent hip injury.

Following the news, Cunningham described his former teammate as "one of the greatest" Saints players of all time and hailed his influence.

"Paul is simply one of the greatest players ever to pull on a Saints shirt," he told reporters. "He has the respect of everyone around him and everyone loves and loved playing with him, me included.

"We wanted him to go around again, such is his influence, but the rugby gods have tapped him on the shoulder. His influence on us and what we do is never going to be lost."

Wellens spent the duration of his 17-year career with the Saints, making 495 appearances and scoring more than 1,000 points. He will now take up a position on Cunningham's coaching team.