Payten calls it quits

Veteran Wests Tigers prop Todd Payten has announced his retirement from the sport at the end of the current season.

Payten, 32, has opted not to see out the remainder of his contract which is due to end in 2012.

Currently struggling with a knee injury, Payten is a veteran of 253 NRL games from stints with Canberra, Sydney and the Tigers.

He was a member of the club’s premiership-winning squad of 2005 and currently has 145 Tigers appearances to his name.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to play this great game at such a high level for a long time. The game has certainly changed,’’ Payten said.

“Rugby League has been very good to me and I have made some great friends and have some special memories. My years at Wests Tigers have been the best time of my life and I’ve really enjoyed playing under a fantastic coach in Tim Sheens.

“Wests Tigers will always be a part of me. I just want to get back onto the field now as quickly as possible to help the team make the finals.”