Castleford Tigers winger Kirk Dixon has been forced to retire due to a neck injury.
The 30-year-old made the announcement on Tuesday night after discovering that it would take him at least six months to recover from off-season surgery to replace a disk in his neck.
“I’ve had surgery to remove a disk and I’ve had an artificial disk put in there, and it was going to be at least a six months no-contact rehab period,” he told the Tigers’ official website.
“That would have taken up most of this season and prior to the surgery, I already had an idea that I might retire at the end of the 2015 season.
“But it has come to an end now and you simply cannot put a price on your health. It’s certainly not the way I wanted to go out.”
Dixon joined Cas from Hull FC in 2007 and passed the 1,000-point mark for the club last season as he scored 12 tries in 19 appearances and represented the team in their Challenge Cup final defeat to Leeds Rhinos at Wembley.
Dixon made a total of 158 appearances in Super League, scoring 70 tries and kicking 269 goals in a 10-year career.
Tigers head coach Daryl Powell said: “Kirk Dixon has been a consummate professional for Castleford Tigers over many years. His work rate and attention to detail in his practice has been absolutely superb during my time at the club.
“I know everyone connected with the playing and coaching staff will be hugely disappointed with Kirk leaving the club, however everyone’s time as a player has to end and Kirk is leaving with everyone’s best wishes and moving on to the next chapter in his life.
“I wish him the very best in his new challenge and thank him for everything he has done for the Tigers, it has been a real pleasure to work with him.”
State of Mind would like to wish Kirk all the very best for his next career move!