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Rugby League

Edmondson forced to quit

11/12/2007

Castleford Tigers forward Mark Edmondson has been forced to retire from professional rugby league because of continuing injury problems.

The former St Helens player, who moved to the newly promoted side during the off-season in a bid to resurrect his ailing career, has endured two frustrating seasons curtailed by poor fitness and a shoulder ailment.

He was with Australian side Sydney Roosters in 2006, making just two starts, before joining Salford City Reds for the 2007 Super League season - but he also failed to make an impact on the first-team there with only 11 appearances to his name.

And despite signing a 12-month deal with Castleford in October, the 28-year-old failed a medical which prompted his retirement with immediate effect.

Tigers manager Michael Robinson said: "This is a disappointment for the club but a much bigger blow for Mark, who is a talented player and ordinarily would have been looking forward to many more years playing the game he loves.

"Mark had hoped to make a fresh start at the Jungle but that isn't to be and we wish him well in whatever the future holds for him."

Robinson admitted "there was an element of risk" in signing Edmondson, who spent the previous eight seasons at St Helens.

He also said the club would begin their search for a replacement player to add to their roster ahead of their return to Super League action in February.