Knee injuries end careers of Radlinski and Blacklock
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Your support makes all the difference.Kris Radlinski has retired for the second time this season on a day when two Super League clubs lost Test players to career-ending knee injuries.
The former Great Britain full-back retired in March, but made a comeback in June to help Wigan through their relegation crisis. Radlinski has played six matches as his club inched towards safety, but now says the game is up.
"It's been fantastic to play for my home-town club, but now it's time to call it a day and this time there will be no turning back," he said.
"I'm glad to have played my part with the club winning some games, but the knee just won't stand up to training and matches."
Hull, flying high in second place, have released their Australian winger, Nathan Blacklock, from the remainder of his contract at his own request. The 30-year-old was due to retire at the end of this season, but has brought the date forward because of a persistent knee injury.
"I'm disappointed I've had to call it a day, but I simply can't give the 100 per cent I want to any more because of injury," Blacklock said. "I can't put my heart and soul into playing. There are some good young players who deserve a chance."
Blacklock scored 22 tries for Hull in all competitions last season. He has managed 13 tries this year, but has looked increasingly uncomfortable and limped out of Sunday's match against Salford in the second half.
Hull have already signed North Queensland's Matt Sing as his replacement for next season.
Huddersfield will today name their 20-man squad for the Challenge Cup final. Chris Thorman, Brad Drew and Martin Aspinwall are all continuing their rehabilitation from injury and will be included.
The Catalan Dragons' Jerome Guisset has been suspended for two matches for a deliberate high tackle. Darrell Griffin of Wakefield, Paul Rauhihi of Warrington and Castleford's Jason Payne have been banned for one match.
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