FORMER Super League stalwart Adam Sidlow has urged current players to keep their future career options open as he navigates twin paths including a role in St Helens’ Scholarship system.

The 38-year-old forward called time on his 20-year playing career last month, after a season in the part-time game at Swinton which was combined with work in the construction industry.

Now he is juggling a role as contracts manager for a Lancashire firm alongside being an assistant coach in Saints’ Under-16 programme.

Sidlow, who counts Salford, Bradford, Toronto and Leigh among his former clubs, said: “Throughout my career I did quite a few things on the side, because my wife has always pushed me and said I’d need something after rugby.

“A lot of players don’t take that opportunity but I got funding, I did my level 2 and level 3 coaching (badges), and my (qualification in) construction leadership and management. I got whatever I could to help me for when I do leave the sport.

“I’ve been in meetings where lads just don’t listen when Rugby League Cares and the GMB (players’ union) talk about it. For players it’s all about rugby and they don’t want anything to distract from that. 

“That’s all well and good, but my own opinion is get what you can if the game is trying to help you, support you and give you funding. Take that opportunity because your career can be gone in no time. 

“Learn as much as you can, get as many qualifications as you can, and see where it leads you.”

Sidlow is one of a group of coaches in Saints’ Scholarship and he said: “I’m enjoying what I’m doing.

“It’s a cliché but you genuinely feel like you want to pass things on. I can see the lads take stuff on and it gives me pleasure.

“A lot of good knowledge gets lost when you lose people who are trying to navigate their way through a career after playing. 

“It’s a shame when that happens, but I’m thankful I’m getting the opportunity to help out at St Helens and see where it goes.”

Sidlow’s playing retirement came as something of a surprise, having signed on to play for Swinton again and beginning pre-season.

He explained: “I still loved training and loved being around the lads, but I just woke up one morning and had an epiphany.

“I’d done some neural damage to my back and my body was tingling, I was aching and unsure about my calf too, and I just thought ‘is it all worth it?’. 

“I made the decision it was best I retired, even though I didn’t want to – I wanted to play forever.”