Chris Houston, the Widnes Vikings co-captain, has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season.
The back-rower, 33, joined Widnes from Newcastle Knights in 2016 after a nine-year career in the NRL with St George Illawarra Dragons and the Knights.
Houston will see out the remainder of the season with the Vikings before calling time on his career.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Widnes,” he said.
“But I think it’s the right time for me to plan for the next stage of my life. I’ve got another baby coming along in two months’ time, so it’s the right time for me to consider my next chapter.
“The big thing for me now is to focus on getting back onto the field. I’m not too far off being back to full fitness, and my main priority is playing well for the team and enjoying my remaining games.
“Rugby League has given me my livelihood for 15 years, since I left school. I started playing footy at 10 years old first because it was fun, and because my mates played, and I couldn’t have imagined what it would lead to. I’ve had the chance to do so many special things because of Rugby League, and I’ll be forever grateful to the game.
“There’ll be a time, down the track, when I might get back involved in the game. Right now though, I’m looking to finish the year well and then take some time away from the game, to do something different.”
