I'm gutted for Paul, for this to happen just as he's coming into his prime as a prop. I remember fondly the time he spent with us at Leigh, as a youngster on loan. He showed tremendous promise and courage then, and it wasn't surprising that he then went on to achieve greater things with a top club.

Best wishes Paul - I hope the future is kind to you.

Had to post this from 2006

Sad news but life for him goes on. Best wishes for the future. Hopefully his injury won't be debilitating with regards to everyday life. Sometimes you do get examples of well educated players retiring with an injury that other players continue with. Didn't Phil Clarke and Paul Forber have identical neck injuries? The former retired whilst the latter played on. Whatever, a good degree and hopefully an insurance payout will see his future sorted.

It's sad to see any player have to retire through injury. On the positive side he goes out with a Challenge Cup winners medal and a Grand Final winners ring.
He was also smart enough to continue his education and get his law degree.
Maybe Wigan and / or the RFL could use him in some capacity to advise young players how to prepare for their futures outside the game.

Good luck Paul.

I thought he'd finished his degree and had graduated?

It’s very sad when a player’s career is ended by injury, but it can’t be any surprise to anyone that he has gone. It seems some can go on for ages without major injury problems, yet some are just made of glass. Good luck to him, and thanks.

Gutted for him, he was good enough for England when on form. I assume he will be moving on with his law degree now? Good luck to the lad.

He has, maybe I didn't quite word it correctly?
"He was also smart enough to continue his education and get his law degree."

I should probably have said "and graduate with a law degree"

Obviously an intelligent bloke to look to secure his future outside the game at an early age.

Good luck Paul, a really good clubman and professional .
From another perspective, I wonder if the plan is to bring Hopkins in early?
Doesn't his Salary get wrote of the cap if retiring through injury?

Its a possibility although Leigh would want an early release fee and, to be fair, we haven't missed Prescott this year. With a fully fit squad we have more than enough front rowers for the rest of the year

I think Wigan will have known for a while that it was unlikely he'd make a comeback this season so I doubt this will change anything in regards to recruitment for this year.

They may look to bring an extra prop in for next year though.