Former Wakefield Trinity forward forced to retire due to medical advice

Sadly, plenty of players have been forced to retire due to medical advice in recent years.

Two of Dewsbury Rams’ squad have been the latest to have their career cut short for medical reasons. The first was Dom Speakman and now former Wakefield Trinity forward Chris Annakin has followed suit.

Annakin debuted at Belle Vue in 2011 and played until 2019 spending some time on loan at Workington, Featherstone, London and Dewsbury before joining the Rams officially in 2020 and making 43 appearances for the club who have this year suffered relegation to League 1.

He has been struggling with an injury all year and after seeing a specialist and having a number of assessments, he has been advised to retire immediately.

The Rams have confirmed that they will continue to support him as will rugby league cares.

Dewsbury have also confirmed the departure of Michael Knowles and Adam Ryder. Meanwhile, Matty Beharrell, Ross Peltier, Harry Kidd, Jason Walton, Keenen Tomlinson, Jake Sweeting, Aaron Hall, Jon Magrin and Jack Blagbrough.

Knowles and Ryder are the longest serving of the departures with Ryder joining the club in 2018 from Keighley whilst Knowles celebrated his testimonial at the start of 2022 which is now his last season at the club.

So, plenty of change at Dewsbury as they rebuild hoping to return straight back to the Championship in 2023.