Tingha and Rads retire

Hull FC have agreed to release Nathan Blacklock from his contract with immediate effect.

Former Australia winger Blacklock has been plagued by a knee injury this season and will now retire from the game and return home.

The 30-year-old said: "I?m disappointed I?ve had to call it a day, but I simply can?t give the 100 per cent I want to anymore because of injuries. I can?t put my heart and soul into playing.

"Everyone at the club, from the coaching staff to the players and the office staff, have been great to me and I wish the team all the best for the play-offs and the future.

"There are some good young players who deserve a chance. They will have more enthusiasm for the game than I can offer now."

Blacklock arrived at the KC Stadium from St George-Illawarra Dragons last season and quickly became a fans? favourite, scoring 16 tries in 24 Super League appearances to finish as the club?s leading try-scorer.

He crossed 13 times in 21 games this campaign but frequently played through the pain barrier.

Head coach Peter Sharp added: "Tingha (Nathan) has enjoyed a marvellous career. He has achieved some things in rugby league that most people can only dream about.

"He has contributed an awful lot to this club over the last two years and we wish him all the best in the future."

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Wigan Warriors full-back Kris Radlinski has announced his retirement for a second time with immediate effect.

Radlinski originally quit the game in March due to a knee injury but, after a period of rest, he decided to return in an attempt to help the side avoid relegation from engage Super League. It had always been his intention to hang up his boots at the end of the year.

The 30-year-old former Great Britain international returned to the first team in June for the home game against Catalans Dragons and made six appearances in total. Since returning the Warriors have won eight of their last nine games.

Radlinski said: "It has been fantastic to play for my home-town club again, but now it?s time to call it a day once and for all and this time there will be no turning back. I am glad to have played my part with the club winning some games.

"The knee just won?t stand up to the training and matches so I have decided to finish playing. I have every confidence in the lads and the team spirit is magnificent. There is a strong belief in the club from top to bottom and I am proud to have been involved again.

"I have many happy memories of my time at Wigan, and these last couple of months will certainly be a part of them. At times it has been like winning a trophy.

"I will continue to support the team from the sidelines and I wish them well in the remaining three games."

Chairman Maurice Lindsay added: "Kris has been an exceptional professional throughout his career at Wigan, and never more so than during the last couple of months, when he unselfishly came out of retirement to help us without even being paid.

"He has been a great servant to this club and has shown true courage and character. His contribution has been immense.

"His timely defence in the game at Harlequins last month helped us win a very tight game, while he finished his career with a stunning win at Leeds, an achievement I feel sure he will remember for a very long time to come."

Source: superleague.co.uk