Fantastic player for you guys. All the best wello for the future. From a Wigan Warriors fan

He has been a tremendous player for Saints and a real credit to the game. Has always commanded the greatest of respect over at Headingley as the tributes being posted now on Southstander clearly show.

I would like to add my voice to the congratulations to Wello on a fantastic career, a true professional and proper Club man, from a Reds Fan.

A think a lot of fans (regardless of their loyalties) empathized with Wellens when he fell to his knees after the final whistle at Old Trafford. And I wasn't the only person who found his actions moving.

For a brief moment the shutters rolled back and you could see right into the heart of his soul. His face was that of a man scarred not by physical injury but the mental anguish of so many heartbreaking defeats. When he looks to the sky almost in supplication you sense that a terrible burden had been lifted from his shoulders. The thick lines and crevasses cut deep into his face by age seem to evaporate and in that split second you see the familiar boyish features of the Paul Wellens who won his first Grand Final so many years ago.

People love to talk about skills and talent and artistry - and yes, those things are important. But before all of that fans want players who CARE AS MUCH ABOUT THE CLUB AS THEY DO. It's a purity which no amount of money can buy and it isn't for sale anyhow.

Cathartic moments such as these involving a shared spiritual and emotional state are rare in the game. But their effect on fans is enormous. This is why stories about players like Paul Wellens, Jamie Peacock, James Graham, Sean Edwards etc. etc. will live on for generations whilst the exploits of perhaps more gifted individuals are lost forever in the chaotic maelstrom of time.

Sky just paid him great respect on boots n all.

I think all those players you mention have/had one thing in common. They hated losing more than they enjoyed winning.

Paul Wellens has been an absolutely fantastic player throughout his career at both Saints,GB and England

Without sounding or meaning to be disrespectful he was without a doubt the most dependable full back that SL has ever produced

He always seemed to play the game so effortlessly,but this was down to his outstanding ability to read the game in both attack and defense,He always seemed to be in the right position when it mattered

The only part of his game that was sadly missing was that extra yard of pace and if he had possessed this he would have been on a par with Billy Slater IMO

I sincerely wish him all the very best in his new coaching venture at the Saints

Respect Wello,You certainly deserve it

I hope he enjoys the retirement. In the end he has pushed his body to the limit, and probably beyond.

He has in some sense lived the dream, to play for your home town club and to reach the pinnacle of the game too at the same club. He's was a great lad, as a lad and it's has been a pleasure to see someone you knew as a youngster, go on to do what most of us only dream of as young kids.

All the best for the future Paul.

Jp's thoughts regarding Wello www.therhinos.co.uk/matchdaytv/? ... a&id=21244

Jp's thoughts regarding Wello www.therhinos.co.uk/matchdaytv/? ... a&id=21244

Such is Wello's status in the game that the Rhinos' website has video of Jamie Peacock paying tribute. I can't remember if they've ever done this on the retirement of any other player of an opposition club.

[urlhttp://www.therhinos.co.uk/matchdaytv/?play=media&id=21244[/url

As many have said he didn't have great pace but he almost invariably won collision returning the ball and his positional play and understanding of the game was awesome.
Glad he still has a future in the Rugby League...he should make a pretty good coach.

Edit: (Sorry still writing as Biff posted same link)

The best British full back of his generation and more importantly a top bloke.

Radlinski was better



On a serious note people called his pace but he read the game so well he very rarely needed any. If he had been 10 yards faster he would have been the best fullback ever in my eyes.