Former Kiwi skipper Ruben Wiki today announced his retirement from rugby league.
Wiki, 35, said hanging up his boots was the obvious choice, even though there were options to play in the English Super League.
His announcement come in the wake of a fairy tale finish to his playing days, when he scored a 70m final try in the All Golds' win over the New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on Sunday.
Two weeks earlier, his 16-season National Rugby League first-grade career had ended with the Warriors' defeat in the grand final qualifier against Manly.
Wiki amassed a world record 55 caps, 18 as skipper, between 1994 and 2006.
He also played 312 first-grade NRL matches, the most by a New Zealander.
He began his first grade career in 1993 with Canberra, with whom he won a premiership in 1994, before returning to his south Auckland roots by signing for the New Zealand Warriors before the 2005 season.
"I've had a great time playing alongside so many players and it's been a lot of fun being able to say goodbye to the supporters over the last few weeks," he said.
"I want to thank them for everything they've done. It's been quite a ride for this boy from Otara."
Wiki intends to pursue community-based and promotional opportunities outside the game.
His immediate focus is the Kiwis' World Cup campaign in his role as mentor.
-NZPA
