Sia Soliola calls time on his career

Former St Helens favourite Sia Soliola has retired from rugby league.

The 35-year-old prop has made 337 career appearances for Sydney Roosters, St Helens and Canberra Raiders, scoring 71 tries.

Auckland-born Soliola won 12 caps for New Zealand and four for Samoa, playing for the latter in the 2013 World Cup. He also played for the Exiles four times.

Sia Soliola says good-bye

Sia Soliola said: “I’m at ease with everything now. There’s a few mixed emotions, I’m excited and a bit nervous but relieved to make the decision to leave the game which has given me a lot and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.

OFFICIAL: Sia Soliola to retire from professional rugby league

“When I first came here to this club and Ricky (Stuart) spoke about the vision and what he had regarding the playing group and the club as a whole, that’s what really excited me. Especially being over at St Helens where I really enjoyed my time over there and everyone notices how the English Super League operates and how the crowds and communities come together and he wanted me to bring that energy and experience that I had over there and bring it to Canberra.

“Because I went so young when I went to Super League, I felt like I still had a fair bit of time to come back to the NRL. There was always that feeling in the back of your mind whether you could still do it or not, but I was excited with the challenge that was in front of me and I really wanted to do what I could to help influence the team when I came back to Australia.

“To the members, supporters and the community I just want to really thank everyone for their support and just really embracing me. I really feel like a son here (at Canberra).”

Soliola was part of the Saints side that won the 2014 Super League Grand Final.