A persistent knee injury has forced Whitehaven’s club captain Marc Shackley to announce his retirement.
Shackley, 32, who started his career at the club before a spell with Workington Town played his last match at York City Knights on August 22 when Haven lost 30-12.
The hard-driving prop forward had been in and out of Gary Charlton’s squad because of the knee problem and it was decided after the York fixture that Shackley would take some time away and look to get an operation.
Since then conversations with the club’s medical staff and specialists means the popular skipper has taken the difficult decision to retire immediately.
“Shacks” has been club captain since his return to the club back in 2017 and led the club to the League 1 play-off final which saw Haven defeated by Barrow Raiders.
He lifted the League One trophy as captain following the 72-0 victory over Coventry Bears in 2019 and has continued to lead from the front when on the field over the past two seasons in the Championship.
Shackley, who had been signed from Egremont, made his Whitehaven debut in March 2008 against Halifax in the National League Cup.
He went to Town on loan in 2009, playing three games before returning to Haven. But he made a permanent move to Derwent Park in 2011 before returning to Whitehaven in 2017.
In the pro game, he made 288 appearances, 95 of them for Haven and the rest for Town. Over his spells with both, he clocked up 25 tries.
Speaking about his decision Shackley said: “I tried to battle on but after the York game it became apparent that the knee was a major issue.
“After speaking to the club doctor and specialists, whilst I could have the surgery and rehab to enable me to continue playing, there is no guarantee I would get back.
“For myself, I have to think about my family. I have had numerous surgeries on my knees previously which have allowed me to continue playing but the time has come, although earlier than expected, to step away from rugby league.
“I would like to thank all the people who have been involved with Whitehaven Rugby League since my return to the club.
“Firstly Carl Forster for bringing me back to the Recre; the board of directors, Des Byrne has been fantastic for me, and the squad since my return to the club.
“Gary and Jonty have been amazing since they came into the club and I’ve been honoured to get this club back to where it belongs in the last three seasons. To the fans thank you for your support over my two spells with the club.
“You have been amazing home and away and your support means so much to not only me but to the rest of the squad and the coaching staff. Thank you!
“Finally I would like to say a massive thank you to my family for their continuous support in my long career at both Whitehaven and Workington.”
Head coach
Head coach Gary Charlton has long been a Shackley fan and he said: “It’s so sad to see his career end like this but we understand.
“He said after the York game he was struggling, and it’s so sad to see a model professional go out of the game like this.
“Marc was a cornerstone of every pack he played in. He led from the front and was always a leader with his actions and had that follow-me attitude.
“He was a great captain at this club and deserves all the accolades that came his way, winning multiple trophies in 2019.
“But sometimes you have to take advice from the medical professionals against what you want to do but it’s in his best interest. I hold Marc in the highest regard as a player but equally as a good friend.”
