WIGAN WARRIORS captain Liam Farrell has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season.
The one-club forward has enjoyed a glittering 17-year professional career, contributing to six Super League titles, five Challenge Cup triumphs and two World Club Challenge victories.
He has also won five League Leaders’ Shields, and can make that six on Friday if Wigan can beat Catalans Dragons after claiming top spot with Saturday night’s victory at Leeds Rhinos.
The 36-year-old, who has been club captain since 2023, is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, with Wigan waiting for him to be cleared to return.
Wigan say Farrell will remain with the club after retirement, taking on a role in their strength and conditioning department.
“Liam will go down as one of Wigan’s greatest players,” said Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski.
“Sustaining excellence for so many years requires extraordinary commitment, resilience and mental strength.
“He has always put the team first, carried himself with quiet humility, and earned the respect of everyone connected with the club. His legacy is secure and he deserves to be celebrated.”
Farrell, who passed 450 career appearances and 150 Wigan tries earlier this season, explained: “You have to make the right call at the right time, and I think I have done that.
“Speaking to people close to me, professionals and the advice I have been given, it’s the right time.
“Playing one game for Wigan was always the goal for me. If I had done that and never played again I’d have been immensely proud, my family would have been proud and we’d have gone back to being Wigan fans.
“So to have been able to play over 400 games in this jersey has been nothing short of incredible.”
Wigan coach Matt Peet said: “Anyone who’s watched Wigan over the last 17 years will know what Liam Farrell means to the club.
“It’s the way he’s played, the trophies he’s lifted, the moments in big games, the times he’s played injured or out of position, and always carried himself impeccably.
“To come from the town and achieve what he has in that manner is exactly what Wigan supporters want in one of their own.”