St Helens star Paul Wellens has announced that he is retiring from rugby league with immediate effect.
The 35-year-old is considered a club legend after spending 17 years with the Saints, making 495 appearances and scoring 1,005 points.
Throughout his career, Wellens won five Grand Finals, five Challenge Cups and two World Club Challenges, as well as a host of personal accolades, including Man of Steel, Players' Player of the Year and Rugby League Writers' Player of the Year in 2006.
The full-back's decision to hang up his boots came about due to a hip problem that has troubled him for over a year and resulted in his absence since Good Friday.
"I knew something was substantially wrong there and I want the fans to know I have exhausted every angle possible in trying to find a way to get fit and playing," Wellens told the club's official website. "I still feel I can offer a lot to the club if my body would allow me to but sadly I can't.
"It is the nature of the sport - I made my debut at 18 and played until 35 so in the grand scheme of things I can't grumble. I will now have substantial surgery on my hip as it is having an effect on my quality of life. Small things like being able to kick a football around with my son, I can't do that so I have to get it right and focus on the next stage of my life.
"I've had a great career and I'm proud of my durability and longevity. I have had some luck with injuries but I've also had a really good record with the amount of games I have played. It's frustrating as I am used to playing but I have not been able to do that."
Chairman Eamonn McManus added: "Paul goes down as one of the greatest players and leaders in the history of the club. He has won every honour in the game, and more, during his staggering seventeen years of success and the Saints."
Wellens now intends to embark on a coaching career.
Danielle Joynson
