Ex-Castleford Tigers winger tells young players to do this as he reflects on nasty injury

In Kirk Dixon’s final full season as a professional, he surpassed the 1000 point marker scoring 12 tries in 19 games for Castleford Tigers and had the pleasure of representing the Tigers at Wembley in the Challenge Cup Final against Leeds Rhinos though unfortunately his opposite number Ryan Hall came away with the Lance Todd trophy as the Man of the Match as the Rhinos won 23-12.

However, the former Hull FC winger was forced to retire after having to have surgery to replace a disc in his neck.

He made 158 Super League appearances scoring 70 tries and kicking 269 goals before retiring at the age of 30.

Today, on the anniversary of surgery on his neck, Dixon implored young players to plan for the future to prepare for life off the field pointing players in the direction of his former Castleford teammate Nick Younquest.

“Nearly 10 Years ago…….. occupational hazard they say,” Dixon said on Instagram underneath an x-ray of his neck.

“I would advise all professional sports people to plan for the future… Those fortunate enough to earn the big bucks may not have an issue but a lot will require an occupation once they finish sport.

“Check out my good friend Nick Youngquest’s company @athletesforlife26.2 for life after sport help.”