Ex-Hull FC and St Helens winger, Matty Dawson-Jones, has announced his retirement from the game at the age of 35.
The Pontefract-born talent made his senior debut with Huddersfield in 2012, and went on to make five appearances for the club.
After short-term spells at Doncaster and Rochdale, Dawson-Jones made his move to St Helens, and it would be there where he would make his name.
Spending three seasons at the Red Vee, he played 50 times, scoring 16 tries.
A three-year spell at Leigh Leopards, he moved to Hull FC – but his time there would be hampered by injury.
After featuring in the Hull derby in round one, where he scored, Dawson-Jones suffered an ACL injury, ruling him out for the season.
By the time of his return, the Black and Whites had plenty of other wing options, with Mahe Fonua returning and Ratu Naulago emerging, and he subsequently moved to Bradford for 2020 and 2021.
Following his Odsal exit, he spent three years at Sheffield Eagles, and was a prolific scorer as he crossed 46 times in 78 appearances.
He moved to Hunslet RLFC this off-season, and was set to play out the 2026 campaign with the Parksiders, but after an emotional statement, he has confirmed he will hang up the boots with immediate effect.
Ex-Hull FC and St Helens man retires
Hunslet announced the news via social media on Wednesday evening, a week after the club played their first game of the 2026 Championship season.
In the confirmation, club CEO Neil Hampshire said: “It’s always a sad occasion when players decide to hang up their boots. However, it’s important that we understand and support Matty at this time.
“He leaves the sport having played at the highest level and can be rightly proud of his career.
“We wish him every success for the future.”
The player himself, said: “This has been a really hard decision to make and one I’m still coming to terms with myself, but I have decided to step away from rugby.
“I’m at the time now where my work commitments are outweighing the rugby and wanting to spend more time with my family, I know it’s the right call for me.
“I want to say a massive thank you to the lads and staff at Hunslet for being so warm and welcoming, especially Keith, Kyle and the board for being so understanding and agreeing to release me.
“I’m sorry it’s happened so early in the season, but if I’m being honest, my heart’s not in it anymore and I wouldn’t be giving the team what it deserves if I kept going.
“I wish Hunslet all the best for the rest of the season and hope they can kick on from the win at the weekend!”
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