Premiership-winning duo announce retirements on eve of finals

Roosters premiership-winning duo Millie Elliott and Corban Baxter have announced they will hang up the boots at season’s end.

The pair fronted the media on Wednesday to announce their retirement, both citing the desire to spend more time with family as a reason for their decision.

Elliott has 49 caps so far for the Roosters. Getty Images

Baxter, 32, was only contracted with the Roosters until the end of the season, while Elliott, 28, still had one year remaining on her deal.

Asked why she opted to depart the game earlier, Elliott admitted that over the past two months with her family it had become clear “it was time” to quit.

“It has never been something that I had thought of before,” she said.

“I am really content with what I have achieved in rugby league. I am very lucky that I’ve been able to live out my childhood dream of being a rugby league player alongside some of my best friends and teammates.

“Having my daughter Gigi and being able to bring her along the ride has been very special, but it is time to move on to the next chapter of my career and life.

“I want to be a mum and continue having kids. I’ve been grateful to bring Gigi along the way, but everyone who is a parent knows how tough juggling all that is. I really want to be all in being a mother.”

As for Baxter, it was her injury troubles that brought around retirement thoughts.

“I’ve struggled the last couple of years when returning from an ACL,” the Roosters’ first premiership-winning captain said as the tears began to fall.

“My body has started to slow down. I have tried to push through it the last couple of seasons ... but also having a young family, it is a long time away from them.

“I’ve been doing it my whole life with my 15-year-old son. It was a bit of a family decision too to make sure that I can have some more time with them.

“My career has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but the Roosters have always had my back, which is something I am so grateful for. It wasn’t solidified until earlier this season.”

Corban Baxter is brought to tears announcing her retirement. Nine

Baxter and Elliott will remain around the club in different capacities, with Elliott joking the Roosters will not be able to get rid of them that easily.

Baxter is hoping to take the next steps in her media career and also her coaching career with the junior pathways, while Elliott kept her focus on her family.

The NSW star added her retirement does not mean she is ruling herself out of selection for the Jillaroos ahead of the home rugby league World Cup in October.

“If that opportunity were to come up, I’d love to finish playing by representing Australia,” she said.

“It is a great honour to be able to do that. But right now, I’m just focused on finishing up here at the Roosters on a high.”

Elliott will end her career as a four-time premiership winner and Jillaroos star. Baxter will leave as a premiership winner and inaugural Roosters captain.

The Roosters have this week off before an NRLW preliminary final.