Wigan Warriors icon Liam Farrell on retirement - ‘I’ve done more than I ever thought I would'

Wigan Warriors captain Liam Farrell was denied a fairytale finish to his illustrious playing career - but he hangs up his boots having achieved far more than he ever imagined.

The 36-year-old has officially retired from playing, having featured in his final game in Wigan’s 33-6 play-off semi-final defeat to Wakefield Trinity, who went on to win their first Super League title after beating Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final.

“A disappointing end, but at the same time, I don’t know how to put my career into words,” said Farrell. “I’ve done more than I ever thought I would.

“I’m very happy I don’t have to play a game of rugby again, but at the same time, I’m emotional that it’s over and disappointed with the ending.

“It’s obviously disappointing, but I’m trying to look at it in a way that I’ve done more than I ever thought I would have done.

“I’ve made it very clear that I just wanted to play one game for Wigan, so it’s been really good, the people I’ve met along the way, the memories I’ve made, some of the moments I’ve had…

“My family live and breathe it - it’s been a big part of my life - and it still will be, but just in a very different way.”

Farrell retires with 430 appearances for his hometown club, helping the Warriors win six Super League titles, six League Leaders’ Shields, five Challenge Cups and two World Club Challenge titles.

The former Wigan St Pats junior also won 12 England caps and was named in the Super League Dream Team on six occasions.

Farrell will now join the club’s backroom staff in a strength and conditioning role - and he will be glad to see the back of tackling an 18th pre-season!

“I will still have to get up early because I’ll be coaching,” he laughed. “But at the same time, I won’t have to do the runs, so I’ll feel a bit better about it!

“Rugby takes its toll on your body, and I’ll be happy with the prolonged rest and watching it from a different angle now.

“I’ll still enjoy being part of the club, and at the same time I’ll probably turn into a bit more of a fan.”