News- Skando offically retires

[Magpies Forever]

John Skandalis has played his last game in the NRL.
After agonising over his playing future, the popular Wests Tigers prop has decided to retire.
But Skandalis won't be lost to the joint venture club after signing up as the strength and conditioning coach for the Tigers' NYC team.
''It was a very hard decision, I'm still not quite over it,'' he said.
''I'm coping, I just don't want the season to come around too quickly. The hardest thing will be watching them play and it will hit me when I can't run out there any more.
''I know I could have gone around one more time but I have no regrets. I'm probably the luckiest man on earth, I had the option to play or be a strength and conditioning coach at the club that I love. There's no regret at all that I'm not playing.''
It's the second time the 33-year-old has retired from rugby league.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/lhqnews/...-good-this-time/2009/11/21/1258220007594.html

 

[innsaneink]

What a champion.

Good luck Skando, enjoy this next phase in your life.

 

[Magpies Forever]

Yep- thanks Skando.

I'm glad you were around to help WT in their time of need and I'm glad you are not lost to the club with your continued input both at the club and in the wider community.

A big thumbs up to you.:thumb

I hope the WT can give you a send off at the start of the 2010 season.

 

[Borat.]

Will be back for the finals.......

 

[Bricey]

Thats the end of an era.... He was the WT first ever signing, and first try scorer too.

Thanks for the memories skando. You have done yourself and the club proud

 

[TimmyB]

Great innings by the big man. He's one of those players that really commanded respect from both sides of the merger in the early days. Definitely the greatest club man the Wests Tigers have had.

 

[simmo1]

Is he the last player in the NRL that played for either Balmain or Wests? I think their might be a few running around in ESL. Hodgson for one.

Great player, Skando. Should have played Origin.

 

[Marshall_magic]

Is he the last player in the NRL that played for either Balmain or Wests? I think their might be a few running around in ESL. Hodgson for one.

Great player, Skando. Should have played Origin.

Luke O'Donnell is in the NRL

Ray Cashmere played for the pies, and is still running around in the ESL

 

[aids]

they should build a bronze statues of him at Campbelltown.
or at least pay a look a like, and spray paint him bronze, which ever is suitable.

 

[innsaneink]

they should build a bronze statues of him at Campbelltown.
or at least pay a look a like, and spray paint him bronze, which ever is suitable.

Or name a hill at Cambo SG , or finally get a f**kin legible scorebard and name that in his honour....but will they do that?

 

[alien]

Or name a hill at Cambo SG , or finally get a f**kin legible scorebard and name that in his honour....but will they do that?

John Skandalis Stand at Campbelltown would be good