NRL premiership winner Gareth Widdop has announced his retirement, with the star five-eighth bowing out after a glittering 13-year career.
The former Storm and Dragons star moved back to the UK at the end of 2019, plying his trade for both Warrington and Castleford, before opting to hang up the boots at the end of the Super League campaign.
The 34-year-old was once regarded as the best No.6 in the world, helping Melbourne to a title back in 2012 and become the captain of St George Illawarra during their best period in the post-Wayne Bennett era.
Widdop also represented England on 25 occasions, including at the 2017 World Cup, as well as representing Great Britain a further four times.
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NRL premiership winner Gareth Widdop announces retirement
In a social media post on Thursday morning (AEDT), the classy playmaker thanked his former clubs, family and fans for their support during his 265-game first grade career in both the NRL and Super League.
"All feels a little surreal writing this however all good things come to an end, after much thought and deliberation my time playing rugby league professionaly is up," he said via Instagram.
"From sleeping with my rugby boots on as a little boy in Halifax, my parents running me around everywhere so I could chase my dream following through to live the dream in Australia."Signed by the Melbourne Storm to go on and win a NRL grand final playing alongside some of the greatest players to the play the game no doubt will be future Immortals, winning the World Club Challenge, playing for my country for over 10 years, representing and pulling on that famous Great Britain jersey the tours live on in memory, playing in the NRL All Stars game to picking up a Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year award, having immense coaches out there - I can honestly say I've had the best!
"To the Dragons where I was honoured to captain the club for a number of years, the place where I will cherish every moment of watching my daughters grow up and cheering me on from the stands and my son running out every week to give me my kicking tee - those are the moments I lived for.
"Following my dream to play back in my home country with my grandma and grandad close by Warrington and Castleford served me well to my 300 games! I've met some incredible, inspirational people along the way. The following of each and every club has been nothing but supportive thank you so much for your kindness!
"I am looking forward and hoping to embrace this next chapter.... For now taking some time out and see where this life takes me. I finish off the game knowing I have given every bit of my heart and soul into the game since I can remember... thank you all."
Widdop received plenty of platitudes from former teammates across the globe, with the likes of Matt Dufty, Josh Dugan, Tom Burgess, John Bateman and Corey Norman all congratulating him on his career.
Gareth Widdop career record
| Club | Games | |
| 2010-2013 | Melbourne Storm | 70 |
| 2014-2019 | St George Illawarra Dragons | 125 |
| 2020-2022 | Warrington Wolves | 49 |
| 2023 | Castleford Tigers | 21 |
| 2010-2018 | England | 28 |
| 2019 | Great Britain | 4 |
| TOTAL | 297 |