HARD-CARRYING, tough-tackling Wales forward Ben Flower said the knocks were worthwhile after bringing an end to his professional career.
The 33-year-old from Abertridwr has hung up his boots after a playing for Celtic Crusaders, South Wales Scorpions and most famously Wigan before ending his playing days with Leigh.
He racked up 222 Super League appearances, 168 of them with the Warriors who he helped to title triumphs in 2016 and 2018 along with a World Club Challenge Cup win in 2017.
Flower won 17 full Wales caps and captained his country against England and Serbia in 2009. He was a member of the 2009 and 2010 European Championship winning sides and played in the 2011 Four Nations and 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
He said: "It's finally my time to call it a day in rugby league, and to say it's been a blast is an understatement. For all the injuries and knocks it's all been worth it.
"As a kid, you never think this day will come when you become a professional, but unfortunately it does.
"I've been honoured and privileged to have walked away with many trophies with my long spell at Wigan Warriors, which I can't thank Shaun Wane and all the staff enough for."
WINNERS: Wigan Warriors' Sean O'Loughlin (left), head coach Shaun Wane (centre) and Ben Flower (right) celebrate their 2018 title win
"But I think the most thanks needs to go to the lads who I played alongside with for so many years. I can honestly say there's a few legends in all that and friends for life. Thank you for being by my side on and off the field.
"To the all the lads I locked horns with on the field and for making it a battle I hope I gave you that too."
Flower is a Welsh rugby league great after turning to the sport from rugby union.
He was on the books of the Dragons and played for Wales at under-16, 18 and 20 level, playing alongside Dan Lydiate, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Rhys Priestland and a raft of others who have gone on to win full international honours.
Flower was released by the region in 2007 after they had tried to turn him from a back row forward into a hooker and moved from playing to Bedwas RFC to the Celtic Crusaders.
He played 65 times for the first team in Super League and combined that with coaching in the community game, leading Blackwood Bulldogs to 2009 title victory.
Flower did, of course, become the first player to be sent off in the grand final as was given a six-month bam for hitting stand-off Lance Hohaia in the early stages of Wigan's defeat by St Helens in the 2014 title decider.
He later expressed his regret – "I hated myself for what I did" – and referenced the episode in his retirement message.
"To all the fans from all the clubs who supported me and the teams over the years and to the ones who stuck by me in my darkest days, I'm very grateful for all this," he wrote.
Ben Flower played 17 times for Wales as well as starring in Super League
Wales Rugby League chairman Brian Juliff said that Flower was a shining example to the country's youngsters aiming to make it in the sport.
"Everyone at Wales Rugby League would like to thank Ben for all his hard work and community, club and international level throughout his career," he said.
"Ben had a very successful career at the highest club level, especially with Wigan Warriors, and international level with Wales Rugby League.
"Ben was a popular member of the Wales squad and he is a great example of what can be achieved through the Wales Rugby League pathway programme. I wish him good health, success and enjoyment in the next chapter of his life."
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