Makinson to retire after 2026 Super League season

Tommy Makinson will retire from rugby league at the end of the 2026 Super League season, bringing down the curtain on a 17-year professional career.

The St Helens winger, 35, has won five Super League titles, including four in a row between 2019 and 2022, and was pivotal in the club’s dominance during the mid-2010s and early 2020s. His decision follows a gradual decline in form this season, with injuries and the physical toll of top-flight rugby limiting his game time. Makinson has not missed a full season since 2009, but has struggled with hamstring issues and reduced minutes in 2024, raising speculation about his future.

Makinson’s departure leaves a significant gap at St Helens, where he has scored 376 tries in 411 appearances—a club record. He also represented England 28 times and played in two World Cups, winning the 2016 Four Nations. His retirement coincides with St Helens’ transition period, with several key players also nearing the end of their careers. The club has already begun reshaping its squad, with younger players like Jonny Vaughan and Lewis Dodd stepping up.

Makinson will finish his career at the end of next season, giving him time to bow out properly rather than leave abruptly. His final year could include a testimonial match, as is tradition for long-serving players. The news marks the end of an era for St Helens and Super League, where Makinson’s consistency and longevity set a benchmark. His legacy extends beyond trophies—he embodied the club’s relentless winning culture.