FORMER England winger Tommy Makinson has confirmed that he will retire at the end of this season.
A five-time Grand Final winner with St Helens, Makinson has spent the past two years playing with Catalans Dragons.
The 33-year-old told League Express ahead of this season that he would be likely to hang up his boots, and confirmed so on Sunday in a social-media post.
“Rugby League has been incredibly kind to me, and when I look back on the journey I’ve been on, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude,” said Makinson, who also won the Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge with Saints.
“I’ve been very fortunate to live out a dream I had as a kid and represent some of the biggest clubs both in England and France, and also the pinnacle which is representing my country.
“There have been so many highs, some difficult moments, incredible memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I wouldn’t have been able to experience any of it without the unbelievable support I’ve had from my family, friends, team-mates, coaches, staff, supporters and everyone who has played a part in my career.
“I’ve still got a few games left, and I want to enjoy every second of them. I’ll be taking it all in, appreciating the moments and giving everything I have to finish this chapter of my career in the best possible way.
“It’s hard to put into words what Rugby League has given me, but I know how lucky I am to have lived this life and played the game I love for as long as I have.”
Makinson earned ten caps for England, scoring 13 tries. In his first season as an international, 2018, he won the Golden Boot award after starring in a Test series win over New Zealand.
He scored seven tries in four games at the World Cup in 2022 including a five-try haul in the quarter-final win against Papua New Guinea, and made his final England appearance the following year.