League of His Own Ch. 12 - Sex Stories

League of His Own Ch. 12

... crying enough. And after doing my ACL a couple of years ago, I know I've lost that step I used to take advantage of. I don't want to be in my fifties and physically struggling. If I retire at the end of this season, I'll still be rather fit and my body won't be completely falling apart. It's the right time."

No one asked me if I was sure. Mum took one of my hands and squeezed. Kyla and Kim both came to give me a kiss and a cuddle. "When will you make the announcement?" Mum finally asked.

"I'll tell the coaches, staff and players by the end of this week. No way it'll stay a secret, so I'll front the media before the start of the season so it's out of the way."

I waited until the end of the week before I approached our coach first and told him that I was going to retire. He wasn't all that surprised as he knew the ACL injury that I'd suffered had really knocked my confidence at the time, and although I'd recovered, I'd had to change my style of play and I'd never been completely comfortable since then.

When I told my teammates, there were plenty of handshakes and pats on the back. I'd now been captain of the side for years and was seen as a figurehead of the club as a whole. I knew that even after retirement I would remain linked to the club in some capacity or other. I didn't really have any interest in coaching but thought I could remain as a trainer or perhaps coach one of our development sides.

A week before the start of the season, the club announced that ...

... I would be holding a press conference. I was dressed in a suit and tie when I walked into the media room. My coach offered to join me, but I told him that I was okay and it was something I needed to do myself. Thanking the assembled journalists for coming, I took a piece of paper from my pocket.

"I'm sure you're all wondering what you're doing here today with only me sitting before you. I'm unsure if there are any rumours out there, but I've felt it necessary to make this statement now so the club can focus on the season ahead while also taking steps regarding the future of the club.

After fifteen years as a professional rugby league player, achieving numerous milestones regarding my individual career, including a Dally M Medal, representing both my state and country, and winning a Clive Churchill Medal in a Grand Final, it is time for me to close the curtain on my career. I am announcing today that this season will be my final as a professional rugby league player for West Sydney Rangers.

I do not make this announcement with a heavy heart. Fifteen years is a long time to play professional footy. We all put our bodies through the wringer week in, and week out. I've suffered more than my fair share of injuries. I still have niggles each and every day. This is one of the toughest sports on earth, and I want to retire while I still feel that my body isn't on the verge of completely falling apart.

I am immensely proud of my time with West Sydney Rangers. I started my ...