FORMER Warrington Wolves stand-off Gareth Widdop has poured out his heart after deciding to call time on his playing career.
Tributes have poured in for the England and Great Britain international, applauding his career and him as a man.
Halifax-born Widdop played the majority of his career in the NRL with Melbourne Storm and St George Illawarra Dragons but when the yearning came to come home and play in Super League, he chose The Wire as the place he wanted to be.
He was seen as the missing piece of the jigsaw in the search for Super League honours.
Injuries did hinder him at times and it was a struggle for him and his family to settle in Covid-hit 2020 after just arriving from Australia.
That was his first of three seasons in primrose and blue and he went on to produce some magical spells in 2021 before he and the team faded at the business end.
After Warrington diced with relegation danger in 2022 Widdop moved on to Castleford Tigers for 2023.
Widdop said on his Instagram account: “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!
“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, being 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 (what a feeling), 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 Allstars game, to picking up a Dally M 5/8 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 Cas 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!
“On 300 games 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.”
Tributes to Gareth Widdop on his retirement from professional rugby league:
George Williams: All the best Gaz! Unreal career.. all the best mate
Paul Vaughan: Love ya pos, well done mate. Some career. Just gettin me charger xx
Ben Murdoch-Masila: Awesome career brother, enjoy what’s next for you do x
Blake Austin: One of the greats mate.
Matt Dufty: All the best brother, was a pleasure, congratulations on an amazing career king pos
Josh Charnley: That's r Gaz, unreal career r kid. Wish you all the best in your next chapter! I'll have a pack of drumsticks on you tonight
Jamie Peacock: Truly outstanding career - with some absolutely stellar moments. You were incredible in the 2017 WC.
Korbin Sims: The best. Congrats Popeye
Tyson Frizell: Congrats bell! One of the greats. Catch up soon
Michael Witt: Congrats on a great career Gaz. You passed me the ball for my last ever NRL try. Legend. Make sure you reach out if I can help with anything mate
King Cross Park RLFC: A great servant of the game and never forgot his roots. Proud to be associated with you.
Trent Merrin: All class brother
John Bateman: Huge congratulations mate, unreal career and unreal bloke. Enjoy the rest of what’s to come bro
Tom Burgess: Massive congrats lad! A pleasure to have played alongside you and all the best with your next chapter x
Greg Eden: Proper good kid mate, congrats
Jordan Turner: One of the best of our generation
Jack Reed: Great career lad….. one of the best to do it
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