WIDNES Vikings hooker Aaron Heremaia will hang up his boots at the end of the 2018 season.

The 35-year old has made 98 appearances for the Vikings since joining from Hull FC in 2015.

Heremaia has enjoyed a four-season stint at the Halton Stadium.

Heremaia has also had spells at Leigh Centurions, New Zealand Warriors and Hull FC during his career, making almost 300 top-flight appearances in his time in rugby league. He also earned international recognition at the highest level, representing New Zealand in the Anzac Test against Australia in 2010.

Heremaia said: “Although my body is feeling fine and I’m still in good shape, you realise that rugby league is mentally quite hard.

“Because I’ve been playing the game for so long, and having spoken to a few friends who have recently retired, I feel like it’s the right time to move on to the next stage of my life.

“It’s been a whirlwind kind of career for me, having only made my top-flight debut at 25.

"In that time, I’ve been able to represent my country, play in an NRL Grand Final and also play in a Challenge Cup final at Wembley. I’m very proud of what I have achieved in the game.

“My time at Widnes Vikings has been great. The club’s staff, supporters and Members have all been brilliant with me. The supporters we have here are so passionate and, like the first team squad, they just want to see their team winning games.

“Obviously, it’s been a difficult season for the fans, but they’ve been great to us all year.

"We are determined to ensure that we have a strong end to the season and are able to give everyone a better Super League campaign next year. There’s so much potential at this club, and I want to play my part in helping it to be realised in the future.

“We’ve got seven huge games coming up, and I know everyone in the group are fully focused on ensuring that Widnes Vikings retain their Super League status by the time I hang up my boots.”

James Rule, Chief Executive at Widnes Vikings, added: “I have worked with Aaron for a number of years, having signed him for Hull FC and subsequently at Widnes Vikings.

“Aaron’s on-field contribution speaks for itself, but he has also made an equally important impact off the field. Aaron is a leader, who epitomises professionalism.

"He has been integral in driving forward our standards and developing the culture at our club.

“At Widnes Vikings, we pride ourselves on the development of our own players, through the club’s youth structure. The young players who are now part of the full-time senior squad, like Jordan Johnstone and Danny Walker, have benefitted enormously from spending time with Aaron and watching how he operates.

“Aaron has been a real crowd favourite, so I am sure that our supporters will want to turn out and pay their respects to him in his final few games. The end of the season is of real significance, and I know that Aaron is absolutely determined to play a real role in retaining our Super League status.

“On behalf of everyone at Widnes Vikings, I wish Aaron and his family the very best of luck for the future.”