Ex-Huddersfield Giants, Leigh Leopards and Castleford Tigers man announces retirement aged 33

Former Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers and Leigh Leopards man Joe Wardle has announced his retirement from playing at the age of 33. The forward, who spent the last year of his career with Oldham has called time on a career that spanned 15 seasons, with spells also coming with NRL side Newcastle Knights, Bradford Bulls and Barrow Raiders.

Wardle won the League Leaders’ Shield with Huddersfield in 2013 and also got his hands on the 1895 Cup as Leigh beat Featherstone Rovers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2022. He collected six caps for Scotland and played in the Rugby League World Cup, but retires having helped Oldham to the League One title this season.

Rather than play on, Wardle will be in the Roughyeds’ dugout as a coach next season, having penned a two-year deal to work under Sean Long as an assistant.

“You don’t really think it is going to happen to you but it soon comes round and sneaks up on you,” Wardle told Roughyeds TV.

“I’m a bit emotional with it as every rugby player would be, but looking back I have had a good run. I had a couple of niggles last year and had a talk with Longy, my partner and Mike Ford. It all made sense to call it a day, and I have definitely made the right decision.

“When it happens you just know it’s the time. Especially with how I play the game, I have played it quite tough throughout my career so it has probably taken a toll on my body. Signing at Oldham I wanted to get another couple of years playing and help the club grow but now my body is telling me enough is enough and I need to look at a different path.

“I was with my dad at the weekend watching my brother at the Grand Final. He asked about moments in my career but it just feels like a blur at the moment so I hope it comes back when the head knocks settle down! I have been pretty fortunate – there is only a Grand Final and World Club Challenge that I haven’t been a part of – I have won everything else. I have been pretty fortunate with silverware as a player and experienced the other side of the world.”