TOMMY MAKINSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM RUGBY LEAGUE

Tommy Makinson has announced he will retire from professional rugby league at the end of the 2026 season. The 34-year-old wings player made the announcement on social media as Catalans Dragons' play-off hopes effectively ended following a 42-20 defeat to Huddersfield Giants on Saturday. Makinson's final match will be against his hometown club Wigan Warriors on Friday, 11 September.

Makinson spent the majority of his career at St Helens between 2011 and 2024, where he won five Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup. He also represented England internationally during his career. In his announcement, Makinson stated that rugby league "has been incredibly kind to me" and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent major clubs in England and France, as well as playing for his country.

Makinson said he intends to savour his remaining matches and give "everything I have to finish this chapter of my career in the best possible way". The announcement marks the end of a career spanning multiple decades in the professional game, during which he established himself as a significant figure in English rugby league.