Lee Radford surprised by sudden retirement of ex-Castleford Tigers man

Cheyse Blair began his career in the NRL with Parramatta Eels with the versatile player scoring once every four games before moving on to the Manly Sea Eagles in 2014.

There he would score once every other game which is a record he held at Melbourne Storm too whom he played for from 2016-18.

He played in the 2016 NRL Grand Final but missed out on glory in 2017 due to injury.

He then joined Castleford Tigers in 2019 and spent four years with the club until his career ended at the conclusion of last season and he has since confirmed that decision releasing a statement on Instagram thanking everyone even the “keyboard warriors” throughout his career.

“Well where do I start,” Blair said, “As I child I had dream to play NRL to going on to playing 12 years of professional Rugby League.

“I’d agree I’ve had a rollercoaster of a career, a few injuries here and their but wouldn’t change a bit.

“Footy was all I’ve known and cared about. It’s been a hell of a ride. I’ve met so many great people in this time and made long life friends.

“I want to say I’m hanging the laces up from professional rugby league.

“Thank you to all my coaches, to the fans, cheers for all the support and love of the long sleeve.

“Also cheers to the keyboard warriors, you all kept a smile on my face and kept it entertaining.

“To Tam and my beautiful family thanks for sticking by me this hole time, I you. Now the real life begins.”

Now his former Castleford boss Lee Radford has had his say on Blair’s retirement:

“Last year was the only time I got to work with Cheyse and there some niggles but sometimes you can get niggles on the back of niggles.

“You know when your body has had enough. So I am and I aren’t surprised by his retirement.”

The Tigers have somewhat replaced the versatile Blair with Jack Broadbent who can also play a number of positions.