FORMER Challenge Cup winning Warrington Wolves winger Chris Riley has called time on his career.
The 30-year-old ex-England Academy and Knights flyer, who has also featured in the professional game at full back, has been without a club for almost a year.
“The time has come to finally announce my retirement from the sport of rugby league,” he said this morning in a statement.
Early days with The Wire first team, playing in a friendly against Barrow in January, 2005. Picture: Mike Boden
“I’ve been inactive and without a club for just over 12 months and I no longer have the same passion and desire as I did for the last 13 years or so playing and feel this is the right time to hang up the boots.”
He will look back fondly on his playing days, particularly at his hometown club for whom he featured in the Challenge Cup successes of 2009, 2010 and 2012 as well as the League Leaders’ Shield triumph of 2011.
Enjoying the moment as Wire are presented with the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2009. Picture: Mike Boden
Celebrating with head coach Tony Smith at the Town Hall homecoming after the Challenge Cup Final success of 2010. Picture: Mike Boden
Celebrating his Wembley try en route to victory over Leeds Rhinos in the 2012 Challenge Cup Final. Picture: Dave Gillespie
“I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to fulfil my dream of becoming a rugby league player and also getting the chance to do this for a large part of my career with my hometown club Warrington Wolves,” said the former Woolston Rovers junior, who was educated at Penketh High School.
“I could never imagine when I debuted at the age of 17 that in my time there I would go on and be involved in winning the Challenge Cup – the club’s first trophy in 35 years and to go on and win further trophies was more than I could ever have asked for.”
Riley crossed for 120 tries in 180 Wire appearances between 2005 and 2014 while also spending time out on loan and playing for partner clubs on dual registration.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the clubs that gave me the opportunity to represent them along the way – London, Wakefield, Rochdale. I enjoyed every minute of each one,” he said.
“I’d like to thank all the staff who have invested their time in me and getting the best from me on the field.
“I’d like to thank my peers in making wonderful memories and building some strong friendships.
“Thank you to all the fans for their loyal support across the years.
“Big thanks to my family and friends for the love and guidance. To my wife and children for their unconditional love and support through all the ups and downs.”
He concluded: “I’m now looking forward to becoming a fan again and to enjoy watching this great game.”
READ > Final diary entry from inside the Warrington Wolves camp
Representing England against Cumbria in 2010. Picture: Mike Boden
Lining up for England Knights with Wire teammates Mike Cooper and Stef Ratchford in 2012. Picture: Mike Boden
Thank you for the memories 🙂👍🏻 #RugbyLeague pic.twitter.com/0vg9iOr07y
— Chris Riley (@Chris_Riley2) January 14, 2019
All the best Chris, you're a true legend of the game and a gentlemen on and off the field. Enjoy the next phase pal 👍🙏💪
— James Wallace (@JWallace1984) January 14, 2019
#wirehero congratulations on a brilliant career Chris. Some brilliant memories and all the best in your next chapter.
— liam fenney (@fenners04) January 14, 2019
Congratulations on a great career Chris, great try scorer, fantastic turn of pace, and the only player I ever saw score FIVE tries (there are probably more but I remember THAT match v Quins RL!) Good luck with your future ventures, and enjoy being a fan again👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Anthony Stanley (@Altyanton) January 14, 2019
Thanks Chris for you Hornets career ,you shared in our joy of cup starvation that wonderful day in France .
— IAN COOP (@iancoopfbs) January 14, 2019
You should be proud of your career achievements
Good Luck
Everyone at Rochdale Hornets would like to wish @Chris_Riley2 the very best as he announces his retirement from rugby league.
— Rochdale Hornets (@RochdaleHornets) January 14, 2019
Thanks for the memories, Riles 👌🏆 pic.twitter.com/qns1JItw4q
120 tries in 180 appearances for the Wire 👏👏
— Warrington Wolves (@wolvesrl) January 14, 2019
Enjoy your retirement, @Chris_Riley2! #onceawirealwaysawire pic.twitter.com/w8psGYK3pH
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