You are in > manchester.com  > News > Trio leave Wigan after play-off defeat

Rugby League

Trio leave Wigan after play-off defeat

06/10/2007

Wigan forward Bryan Fletcher has decided to retire following his side's Super League play-off loss to Leeds last night, and he will be joined at the Wigan exit door by Shane Millard and David Vaeliki.

Fletcher played an instrumental part in the Wigan's surge to the play-offs, missing only two of the last 53 games. But he has now decided to hang up his boots despite being offered a chance to join the Sydney Roosters who are coached by Australian legend Brad Fittler.

"Unfortunately that's it. My decision was made a month ago. I've spoken to Freddie [Fittler] about it," said Fletcher, who won the World Cup with Australia in 2000.

"I knew at the back of my mind it was going to be too hard to play on. I couldn't have done the training.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed it and my family have enjoyed it. Wigan have been great, they've looked after us.

"I suppose in five or ten years I can look back and say I got to play for Wigan. They are probably the biggest rugby league club in the world," added Fletcher.

Veteran forward Millard could also announce his retirement soon as he requires a ninth knee operation. The Australian played in the play-offs in immense pain and revealed that he has no cartilage left in one of his knees.

The third player to leave Wigan is New Zealand centre Vaeliki who has signed a contract with a French rugby union side.