FEATHERSTONE ROVERS winger Gareth Gale has called time on his career in the professional game as the financially-troubled club prepare for administration.
It’s a race against time to make the starting line for the 2026 Championship campaign, with worried fans desperately hoping a new version of Featherstone will appear.
Until there is more clarity as to a way forward, there will be no confirmation over the coaching and squad situation.
But 32-year-old Gale certainly won’t be involved in any phoenix set-up after confirming his retirement following six seasons at Rovers which brought 90 tries in 130 games.
He signed for his hometown team ahead of the 2020 Covid-hit season after shining at amateur level for Featherstone Lions.
And Gale went on to play in a Championship Grand Final, which Toulouse won 34-12 in France in 2021, and two Wembley finals in the 1985 Cup, both against York, with Rovers winning 41-34 in 2021 but losing 5-4 after golden-point extra time this year.
Along with Mike Smith, Chris Bibb and Brad Dwyer, he holds the Featherstone record for most tries in a match, his haul of six coming in the 68-12 home Championship defeat of Newcastle in June 2021.
And in 2023, Gale scored 30 tries, including five hat-tricks, in 29 outings.
He said on Facebook: “Just want to let everyone know that I have decided to call it time on my career as a professional Rugby League player.
“It’s not been an easy decision, but it’s a decision I have been thinking about for some time now and I believe it’s what’s best for my family and myself.
“It’s been a dream come true to play for my hometown club and in some pretty special games.
“I never thought I’d get to see Rovers at Wembley, and getting the opportunity to play there twice has been unbelievable.
“I’ve played alongside some great players and been coached by some excellent coaches.”