Ex-Hull KR and Castleford Tigers star makes surprise retirement admission

Jake Webster is an underrated player in the history of the Super League.

The explosive centre played his best rugby at Castleford and was a big part of their greatest ever night in Super League when the Tigers won the League Leaders’ Shield as he ran in four tries.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t stop the Tigers from slipping up in the Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos.

Webster was an underrated figure in that side.

The former Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans centre joined Super League in 2008 with Hull KR prior to a move to Castleford Tigers in 2013, going on to play in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in only his second season at the Jungle.

He then spent one year at Bradford Bulls prior to a switch to Keighley Cougars in 2020 where he continues to ply his trade in a star-studded line-up adorned by the arrival of Hull KR star Ben Crooks in 2023.

After 15 years in British rugby league, he has been awarded a testimonial and subsequently the Cougars will meet his former club the Tigers in a pre-season friendly, the game will take place on Sunday 22nd January.

The game will be hosted by Keighley and kicks off at 3pm.

However, in a surprise twist, Webster has admitted that it could be his final game speaking to BBC Sport West Yorkshire:

“I’m tossing and turning about whether or not I’m going to play this year, I’m signed on to play but if the boys are going well and we’re injury free, this could be the last time I put a pair of boots on to actually play, it will be emotional, now that I’m thinking about it and if it is to play against the club that has done so much for me and I had such a good time with, it would be a good end to my long career.”

❓ Could Sunday's testimonial clash for @Cougarmania against former side @CTRLFC be Jake Webster's last ever appearance?!

🎙 Hear more on tonight's @BBCWYS

🕕 6pm

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🌍 https://t.co/Wrf1bGeTtA pic.twitter.com/pJZl9Un3iS

— BBC Sport West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) January 19, 2023

It comes after it was confirmed Webster would mix playing and coaching in 2023 and took on the number 33 shirt as consequence.

Speaking of high jersey numbers, Luke Gale is set to wear number 31 at Keighley in 2023 and he will make his debut alongside his former Cas teammate in what could be Webster’s final game.

You can listen to Webster’s full interview with BBC tonight at 6pm.