Hull KR player retires aged 21

Joe Wardill has retired from professional rugby league due to persistent hip injuries.

The 21-year-old back-rower has played 17 times for Hull KR since making his debut in 2016.

He will stay involved at the club, becoming the assistant coach of the newly-formed Hull KR Women’s team.

“I want to thank everyone at the club for their support over the course of the last three years,” Wardill told hullkr.co.uk.

“Mentally, the challenges have been tough to overcome and it has been stressful. I’ve had surgery on my right hip three times in the last two-and-a-half years and it was my own decision to call it a day in terms of playing professional rugby league again.

“Even though I’d had a number of operations, the club were fantastic in giving me a three-year deal to try and get myself fit again, but it wasn’t to be unfortunately.

“I’ve lived the dream albeit for such a short time. To play for Rovers was a huge achievement for me, coming through the academy and playing a good number of games was fantastic.

“I’ve won a derby, travelled to France, Australia and Canada playing this great game.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to the supporters who have constantly had my back over the last few years.”