Salford captain Lee Mossop forced into immediate retirement
Salford captain Lee Mossop has been forced into an immediate retirement due to recurring shoulder injuries.
The 32-year-old prop has made almost 250 career appearances for Wigan, Parramatta Eels and Salford. He won five caps for England.
Mossop was part of the Wigan squad that won the Super League and Challenge Cup double in 2013 and he played in the World Cup for England later that year.
He led Salford to the Super League Grand Final in 2019 and the Challenge Cup final the following season – but he will now hang up his boots.
Mossop said: “It’s with great sadness that today I have to announce my retirement from rugby league.
“It’s been no secret that I have struggled with shoulder issues the majority of my career but after seeing the surgeon last week, he has told me there are no more surgeries he can offer to help prolong my career anymore and instead, it will be one final operation to give me a better quality of life with my wife and young children.
“I’d like to thank firstly my family and friends who have supported me through my career, the clubs and supporters I have represented and the players who I have shared a field with.
“I joined this club in 2017, planning on only being here one year as I thought I’d be forced to retire then but with a lot of hard work from the coaches and physio staff here, I’ve managed to represent this club for almost five seasons and been lucky enough to make some unbelievable memories for a club that I now love.
“I was lucky enough to lead this team out in a Grand Final with my little girls, which will always be one of my main highlights of my career. The fans have been fantastic to play in front of and the most passionate I have met.
“On behalf of me and my family, I thank Salford Red Devils and everyone associated with it for five incredible years. We will always owe a debt of gratitude to you.”
Meanwhile, Salford have confirmed the signing of Australian half-back Brodie Croft on a two-year deal from the 2022 season.