Wests Tigers legend and innovator of drop-kicking balls so high they land with cloud-based precipitation, Pat Richards has decided to call it quits at the end of the Super League season.
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The 34-year-old former Man of Steel, who has scored more than 3,000 points over 16 seasons in the NRL and Super League, was under contract until the end of the 2017.
“I’ve really enjoyed coming over here this year but I feel like it’s the right time for me,” Richards said to the Catalans Dragons website.
“With my body, I’m not getting any younger and I feel it’s the right time to move into the next phase of my career.
“I’d like to do a little bit of junior development and maybe a bit of coaching but I’m very excited about the next phase of my life.
“One of the things I’ll miss the most is that competitiveness; every day trying to get better and being involved in a team environment.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have played for a long time with a lot of different clubs and I’d like to thank all of the clubs that I’ve been involved in.”
He came as a player. He left as a legend. Good luck in your retirement @patrichards5 pic.twitter.com/J3gs5nMms8
— Wigan Warriors (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 21, 2016
After that flick pass to send the Wests Tigers to their first premiership, Richards carved out an eight-year career with Wigan before adding a further 43 appearances to his NRL achievements.
The 34-year-old spent his final season back in the Super League, with Catalans.
