Catalans Dragons winger Tommy Makinson has confirmed he will retire at the end of the Super League season.
Makinson, who turns 35 in October, will call time on a 16-year career that has seen him win five Grand Finals, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge.
In terms of individual awards, he was named the Golden Boot winner in 2018, which is given to the best international player that season, after stellar performances against New Zealand for England.
In total, he played 10 games for his country, scoring 13 tries and in Super League he was a Dream Team inductee on three occasions.
Making his St Helens debut in a win over Salford in the opening rounds of 2011, he would need just three matches in the top flight to score his first try, something that he would become synonymous with throughout his career.
After 14 seasons in the Red Vee, he would make the switch to Perpignan, where he has played 37 games for Catalans at present, scoring 20 tries.
Makinson will go down as one of Super League’s greatest wingers, and in the final game of the 2025 season, he became only the fourth person in Super League history to surpass 200 Super League tries.
Tommy Makinson confirms retirement at end of 2026 Super League campaign
Confirming his decision on social media, his statement reads in full:
“As the 2026 season moves towards its final stages, I feel now is the right time to announce that this will be my final season as a professional rugby league player.
“Rugby league has been incredibly kind to me, and when I look back on the journey I’ve been on, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude. I’ve been very fortunate to live out a dream I had as a kid and represent some of the biggest clubs in England and France and also the pinnacle, which is representing my country.
“There have been so many highs, some difficult moments, incredible memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I wouldn’t have been able to experience any of it without the unbelievable support I’ve had from my family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, supporters and everyone who has played a part in my career. To each and every one of you, thank you.
“I’ve still got a few games left, and I want to enjoy every second of them. I’ll be taking it all in, appreciating the moments and giving everything I have to finish this chapter of my career in the best possible way.
“It’s hard to put into words what rugby league has given me, but I know how lucky I am to have lived this life and played the game I love for as long as I have.”
