Super League legend Tommy Makinson announces retirement with emotional social media post

Five-time Super League champion Tommy Makinson has officially announced he will retire at the end of the 2026 season, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career.

Makinson – who will turn 34 in October – first made public the plans to hang up his boots at the end of the campaign back in March.

The veteran winger has spent the last two seasons in France with Catalans Dragons, taking his career appearance tally above the 380-mark having spent the bulk of his career with St Helens.

Progressing through Saints’ youth system, Makinson went on to win a plethora of major honours in their colours: including his five Super League winners’ rings – collected in 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Now, his retirement is official, with the veteran having announced his decision via social media.

‘I’ve been very fortunate to live out a dream I had as a kid’

Wigan-born Makinson – who starred in the delayed 2021 Rugby League World Cup – represented England 12 times on the international stage, scoring 13 tries in the process.

His social media post reads: “As the 2026 season moves towards its final stages, I feel now is the right time to announce that this will be my final season as a professional rugby league player.

“Rugby league has been incredibly kind to me, and when I look back on the journey I’ve been on, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude.

“I’ve been very fortunate to live out a dream I had as a kid and represent some of the biggest clubs in England and France and also the pinnacle, which is representing my country.

“There have been so many highs, some difficult moments, incredible memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

“I wouldn’t have been able to experience any of it without the unbelievable support I’ve had from my family, friends, team-mates, coaches, staff, supporters and everyone who has played a part in my career. To each and every one of you, thank you.”

‘I know how lucky I am to have lived this life and played the game I love for as long as I have’

Saints and Catalans are the only two clubs Makinson has ever donned a shirt for on a permanent basis, with a sole loan appearance made apiece for Rochdale Hornets and Whitehaven back in 2013.

The 33-year-old has scored 241 tries and kicked 310 conversions in his career to date, as well as scoring a single drop goal – which came for Saints in their 2019 Grand Final triumph over Salford Red Devils at Old Trafford.

Makinson’s social media post concludes: “I’ve still got a few games left, and I want to enjoy every second of them.

“I’ll be taking it all in, appreciating the moments and giving everything I have to finish this chapter of my career in the best possible way.

“It’s hard to put into words what rugby league has given me, but I know how lucky I am to have lived this life and played the game I love for as long as I have.”