AFTER a remarkable 18 seasons at the top level of rugby league former Saints skipper Paul Wellens has been forced to hang up his boots.

Despite strenuous efforts to rectify the hip problem that has plagued him since last July, Wellens has had to concede defeat and retire five matches short of the 500 club appearances landmark.

He will be able to look back on a glittering career – winning every domestic team and individual award since breaking into Shaun McRae’s first team in a friendly aged just 17.

Five Challenge Cup medals, five Super League rings, a brace of World Club Challenge honours from gutsy wins over Brisbane sit alongside individual honours – Man of Steel, two Lance Todds, the Harry Sunderland plus Great Britain and England caps.

The rock solid number one will leave a lasting legacy – not least the way he steered the Saints ship, post Knowsley Road and without a host of retired or departed characters, through a rocky spell before tasting victory again at Old Trafford last term.

He won’t be going far, though, and after he has recuperated from significant hip surgery he will undertake a role working with the club’s junior players.

Wellens explained: “I've had an ongoing hip problem for around 12 months and tried my hardest to battle on through.

“I had injections last year to get through it – which was more than worth its while when you consider what we achieved – but in the early stages of this year I started to struggle with it again and that culminated with me leaving the field at Wigan on Good Friday.

“I knew something was substantially wrong there and I want the fans to know I have exhausted every angle possible in trying to find a way to get fit and playing. I still feel I can offer a lot to the club if my body would allow me to but sadly I can't.

“It is the nature of the sport; I made my debut at 18 and played until 35 so in the grand scheme of things I can't grumble.

“I will now have substantial surgery on my hip as it is having an effect on my quality of life. Small things like being able to kick a football around with my son, I can't do that so I have to get it right and focus on the next stage of my life.”

Wellens played his first game against Wigan on Boxing Day 1997,and made his senior debut the following season.

Up until this season he has had a remarkable fitness record, an ability to get up and keep driving forward.

He continued: “I've had a great career and I'm proud of my durability and longevity. I have had some luck with injuries but I've also had a really good record with the amount of games I have played. It's frustrating as I am used to playing but I have not been able to do that.

“I have a great relationship with Eamonn McManus, Mike Rush and Keiron Cunningham. They have been patient with me through this and I am looking forward to further working with them.

“I've had a really good career and last season was a real highlight. I have met some great people, had great experiences and been in an environment which challenges me. I have played in a great town with great people.

“I'd like to thank my family who have been a huge support to me and in particular my parents who have been a constant source of support and my wife Rachel. When you go through tough times like this, or go on tour, she bears the brunt of it and looks after our kids. A lot of people make sacrifices to do what I do.

“I'd like to thank my teammates who have made my career very special. Win, lose or draw the people you meet, the people you play with make it special and they are friends for life.

“Finally, I'd like to thank the supporters as without them we wouldn't have a club. They have been phenomenal with me. In my career I have always done my best and I think the St Helens people appreciate that.

“They don't mind losing providing we try our best and I have always been very mindful of that when I pull on the red vee.”

Coach Keiron Cunningham was glowing in his praise for his former teammate and successor as club captain.

“Words can’t explain how good Paul Wellens has been for St Helens.

“If anything I would have to put together a highlight reel – but I would not have enough time because it would be hours and hours to show how good he has been for the club,” Cunningham said.

“It is not just how he plays, but how he handles himself. I don’t say it lightly, but he is one of the greatest players to pull a Saints jersey on. I will always stick by that.

“What he has done for this club and where he has played just epitomises St Helens rugby league.

“Wello is going to be a major loss. He is hobbling around on one leg and still convincing himself that he wants to do a job for this team, but I am almost having to twist his arm up his back and say the dream is over and you have to think about the next chapter of your life.”