Kyle Amor reveals retirement doubts as former St Helens prop begins pre-season with Widnes

Josh McAllister 14 Dec 2022 2:00 PM

Former St Helens forward Kyle Amor says he considered retirement at the conclusion of the 2022 season before joining Widnes in the Championship for the upcoming campaign.

Amor, 35, revealed he somewhat fell out of love with the game last season, having been limited to just eight appearances – including four on loan at Warrington before injuries impacted his year.

The Ireland international has instead opted to go part-time in 2023, joining the Vikings on a one-year deal. He made a total of 212 appearances for St Helens over a nine-year spell.

Speaking to Widnes’ official channel, Amor was asked if he had considered retirement, in which he responded: “I’ll be honest, there was (thoughts).

“Towards the end of last year, with how things went, I kind of fell out of love with playing the game. But, upon reflection as well, I managed to sit down and have a good, long think. And when this opportunity came up, I just thought, “why not?”.

“Once you’re retired, you are retired and that’s that. I played against Jamaica during the off-season. When I was in that Cumbria set up, that reignited something in me and the reason why I play the game and I loved it.

“If I can get some of that here at Widnes, I have no doubt that I’ll be able to do a good job here. My role is ultimately to play. But it’s also help young and inexperienced guys around me and give a bit of guidance and leadership.”

Kyle Amor on new Widnes chapter

The Cumbrian-born prop, who began his career at Whitehaven, reunites with Widnes coach John Kear for the 2023 season, with pre-season now underway.

“It’s been really good,” Amor said. “The training at night time after a day of work has taken time to get used to. But now with a couple of weeks under my belt, it’s good.

“It’s different from full-time. The lads are working during the day, and some lads are here one week and not the next. But the core are here and we can get through some good stuff.

“I’m enjoying the atmosphere around the place at the minute. It’s quite exciting.”

Kyle Amor predicts bright future for team-mates

Amor has recently been enjoying a new position as a pundit in the sport, being a part of the Championship’s coverage on Premier Sports in 2022.

And that extra time watching the second division gave the forward a further insight into his new team ahead of joining.

“There’s a good couple of players here,” he said. “Having watched them over the last couple of years and having trained with them, I certainly think one or two of them could make the step up into Super League. For now, we look to have a good year with them at Widnes first.

“I am towards the end of my career and I’ve had a few good chats with John about my role here. I’m looking forward to it now.”

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Kyle Amor on new Widnes chapter

Kyle Amor predicts bright future for team-mates

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