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Paul Prescott Announces his Retirement

Wigan Warriors Prop Paul Prescott has today announced his retirement from the game due to injury with immediate effect.

Paul made his Wigan First Team debut back in July 2004 against Castleford and has gone on to make 145 appearances for his Hometown Club. In 2013, Paul has managed just one appearance in the season opener at Salford and has been unfortunate with a problematic back injury.

Speaking about the decision the 27 year old who has also represented Ireland at International level said;

"After consultation with some of the best surgeons in the country, it is with great sadness that I am forced to announce my retirement as a Rugby League player with immediate effect after failing to overcome a back injury.

"This injury has been a persistent problem since its initial diagnosis in 2008 and the constant rehabilitation, treatment and maintenance a daily battle. Unfortunately after countless injections and two lots of surgery, the most recent in March of this year, the specialists have advised me that this can no longer continue.

"I leave the game with an enormous amount of pride at representing the Club I supported since the age of 5 for over 10 seasons and the invaluable memories and winners medals from the 2010 Grand Final and 2011 Challenge Cup.

"I would like to thank my family and partner for their continued support through this difficult period. The support and advice given to me by the entire medical staff as well as Kris Radlinski, Shaun Wane and Ian Lenagan has been comprehensive and accepted with massive gratitude.

"Although it is disappointing to no longer be able to help my team mates on the pitch, I thank them for the memories, experiences and friendships. I will now be giving my support as a fan to a special and highly talented group of players for continued and increased success."

Wigan Warriors Rugby Manager Kris Radlinski paid tribute to Paul adding;

"It was a sad day when Paul sat down with Shaun and myself to deliver his news. It is a day that is inevitable for every sportsman but nothing ever prepares you. We have known that Prek has been in discomfort for some time now and believe he has made the right decision for his future. It is up to us now to support him through this difficult period. One of my favourite memories in recent years was seeing Prek and his great friend Joel Tomkins sharing a beer after winning the Challenge Cup in 2011 having both realised their boyhood dreams. His presence around the Club will be missed but I am confident that his career after the game will be a special one."

Head Coach Shaun Wane commented;

"I feel hugely sorry for Paul that he has been forced to come to this decision through injury. Paul has been a model professional and is also a great person and he will be missed on the field by everyone who has played with or against him. I have seen Paul come through our Under 18's and Under 21's to become a regular in the Wigan First Team Squad and he must feel extremely proud to have represented the Club for over ten years. I am certain he will go on to be a huge success in whatever he decides the future holds for him and I wish him all the very best."

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The early retirement of any player due to injury is a very sad moment.

Gutted for the lad. Felt he was maturing into a very good player just about when this injury caught him.

At least he has some great memories of success here and a law degree to fall back on.

Just goes to show a sports career can be short and why we should not begrudge them a high wage.

Knew this day was coming for a long time really he always ran his heart out in the end was probably a victim of his running style.

Could of been a very good player if he had any luck but alas thats the way it goes.

This is why although i dont agree with it i never begrudge a player leaving a contract early for a big pay day, especially in rugby league take what you can while you can. From what i remember he was a clever boy though and did he do a degree in surveying? or have i imagined all that - either way i hope he had a backup plan and wish him all the best

Very, very sad. A role model for many junior players. Fans should consider what they are posting about players attitudes and the reasons for missing games - the injury that Prekky has suffered, since 2008, would hospitalise most of us - he continued to play top level rugby league with it!

I found his statement articulate and unassuming at what must be a very difficult time in his life. Good luck Paul, I hope to see you knocking around the club.

I am sorry this has happened to Paul, & I am only glad that he got the coveted rewards of a SL Winners ring & a CC Winners Medal for his loyal service to Wigan Warriors.

Good Luck Paul, wishing you all the very best for your future xx

Good luck for the future Paul and thanks for the memories

Very sad but he gave it 100%.
Make no mistake his health is the most important thing for Paul.
Hasn't he a degree in Law?
All the very best of luck and success for the future and thanks for all your efforts.

DaveO wrote:Gutted for the lad. Felt he was maturing into a very good player just about when this injury caught him.

At least he has some great memories of success here and a law degree to fall back on.

Just goes to show a sports career can be short and why we should not begrudge them a high wage.

...but we will begrudge them leaving Wigan before a contract ends for a higher wage?

Wigan_forever19​85​ wrote:Knew this day was coming for a long time really he always ran his heart out in the end was probably a victim of his running style.

Could of been a very good player if he had any luck but alas thats the way it goes.

This is why although i dont agree with it i never begrudge a player leaving a contract early for a big pay day, especially in rugby league take what you can while you can. From what i remember he was a clever boy though and did he do a degree in surveying? or have i imagined all that - either way i hope he had a backup plan and wish him all the best

Wasn't it Andy Coley who qualified as a surveyor?