AFTER retiring from rugby league, Joe Wardle has agreed a two-year deal to join Sean Long’s backroom staff as assistant coach.

Wardle still had a year to run on his existing contract but had a year disrupted with injury struggles, resulting in the second-rower making just 14 appearances.

The 33-year-old, who began his career with Bradford in 2010, says he was emotional after making the decision to call time on his playing career.

“You don’t really think it’s going to happen to you,” he said. “It soon comes round and sneaks up on you.

“I’m a bit emotional with it as every rugby player would be, but looking back I have had a good run.

“I had a couple of niggles last year and had a talk with Longy (Sean Long), my partner and Mike Ford. It all made sense to call it a day, and I have definitely made the right decision.

“When it happens you just know it’s the time. Especially with how I play the game, I have played it quite tough throughout my career so it has probably taken a toll on my body.

“Signing at Oldham I wanted to get another couple of years playing and help the club grow but now my body is telling me enough is enough and I need to look at a different path.”

Wardle had a long and successful career in Super League, having made well over 200 appearances and scored 76 tries for top-flight clubs including Huddersfield, Castleford and Bradford.

In his first stint with Huddersfield, where he played from 2011-2016, he won the League Leaders Shield.

His performances at the Giants earned him a move to Australia’s NRL competition where he made 17 appearances for Newcastle Knights in 2017.

As well as that he represented Scotland on six occasions across his 14-year career. Now he is ready for the next chapter.

Wardle said: “It just feels like a blur at the moment so I hope it comes back when the head knocks settle down.

“I have been pretty fortunate - there is only a Grand Final and World Club Challenge that I haven’t been a part of - I have won everything else.

“I have been pretty fortunate with silverware as a player and experienced the other side of the world.

“Last year put the icing on the cake, retiring with a title is a fitting way to go out and Oldham achieving what we set out to achieve and getting back where it belongs.

“I got a chance to work with Sean Long and Brendan Sheridan last year and both are great blokes and great coaches. I learned a hell of a lot from both and it is something I really enjoy.”