NOT EVERY player goes out on the terms they have dreamt about, and Liam Farrell falls into this category after bowing out after retiring from the game.
Farrell was hoping to walk out at Old Trafford for his final game of his career on Saturday, but fairytales often do not happen in sport.
Farrell has had an illustrious career, playing 430 times for his hometown club, winning the Grand Final six times, the League Leaders’ Shield six times, the Challenge Cup five times, the World Club Challenge twice and he was named in the Dream Team six times.
He had hoped there would be one final trophy added to his impressive haul, but he says he can live with that not happening and is thankful for the career he has had.
“All the nerves were probably there more than ever,” said Farrell.
“And I think they got worse as I was sat on the bench.
“Obviously, Matty (Peet) pre-warned me that it might be the second half before I came on. So the nerves just got worse and worse. That’s probably a good thing. I’ve had them throughout my career and I always see them as a good thing.
“Now, after the game, my emotions are all over the shop. It’s a disappointing end and I don’t know how to put my career into words. I’ve done more than I ever thought I would.
“I am very happy that I don’t have to play another game of rugby but at the same time emotional that it’s over. Early in my career I wanted to play one game for Wigan.
“I got my mindset right that you don’t always get what you want and there was a possibility that it might happen tonight but it didn’t.
“You know, I’m okay with that. Obviously, it could have been a better ending, but at the same time, I look back on what I’ve been a part of, the teams I’ve been a part of. There’s been a lot of success there and I don’t think I could have really asked for any more.
“It’s been good. The people I’ve met along the way, the memories I’ve made. some of the moments I’ve had. My family live and breathe it. It’s been a very big part of my life, and it still will be, but just in a very different way.”
Pre-season will hit different for Farrell in 2027 as he joins the club’s coaching team, a role change that he’s looking forward to.
“I’m not going to lie. Football takes its toll on your body, and I’ll be happy with a prolonged rest, and I’ll watch from a different angle now. I will still enjoy being a part of the club, and at the same time, probably turn it into a bit more of a hobby.”