Former Castleford half-back Luke Gale is to retire from playing at the end of this season to become academy head coach with Wakefield Trinity.
The much-travelled 36-year-old former England player, who was voted Man Of Steel in 2015, will hope to lead Wakefield to promotion back to Super League in September as his rugby league swansong.
Trinity, who he joined on a two-season contract in 2023, currently sit seven points clear under Daryl Powell at the top of the Championship.
“I’ve had 17-18 years as a professional and had the pleasure of playing for some great clubs, with some amazing blokes,” said Gale.
“I’ve created some special memories along the way but I believe now is the right time to move on to the next chapter. I still love the game but the game doesn’t love me as much any more.
“The game is getting tougher and I’m getting older and it’s not getting any easier. I felt it was the right time to hang them up. Getting out of bed on a Monday morning is getting harder and harder.
“I spoke to my family and had a good chat with Daryl and this announcement has been in the pipeline for about six weeks.
“I am massively excited for that next journey staying on in rugby league and becoming head coach of the academy here at Wakefield next season.”
