RETIRING St Helens captain Jodie Cunningham has revealed she has no immediate plans to go into coaching once she hangs her boots up at the end of the season.
The stalwart of the game has been a part of St Helens since they made their Super League bow in 2018 and prior to that had made a name for herself as part of a successful Thatto Heath Crusaders side.
Cunningham, a former Woman of Steel winner and 34-time England international, announced prior to last month’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley that this season would be her last as a player, with best friend and team mate Emily Rudge also announcing her retirement.
“I don’t know about coaching, but I’d like to do a little bit more on the media stuff because I am really enjoying that,” said Cunningham, who alongside playing and working full time for the club, can often be seen working as a pundit for Sky Sports and the BBC.
“No doubt I will find my way into coaching at some point, but first I want to take a bit of time back for me and my family.
“My family and friends have been incredibly understanding throughout my career and at times have sacrificed more than I have. They have had to put up with me not turning up to things, deal with me never being there and always coming home late.
“I feel I’ve not been able to support them and be there in the way they need.
“They’ve got the rest of the year to put up with that, but then it’s my time to give back to them, which they thoroughly deserve, because they’ve been with me every step of the way.”