With the 2026 season coming to an end, rugby league players across the globe continue to announce their retirements from playing, and two more ex-Super League men have just done that.

First, former Castleford Tigers and Bradford Bulls man, Jy Hitchcox, has confirmed that he will hang up the boots, having recently turned 37.

The Australian spent eight seasons in the northern hemisphere, originally joining Featherstone Rovers in 2015. Scoring 11 tries in 25 appearances for the club, he landed a move to Castleford in 2016, and the following year he featured in the Grand Final defeat to Leeds Rhinos.

The utility back featured for Batley, Halifax and Bradford on loan in 2017 and 2018, before a permanent switch to the Bulls followed.

Having joined Toulouse in 2020 and 2021, he was part of Leigh Centurions’ Championship-conquering squad in 2022.

Moving back to Australia after that season, he continued to play in the lower grades, but after suffering injury recently, he has decided now is the right time to retire.

“Two dislocated ribs draws the curtains on retirement and 20 years of senior footy, it’s been a blast. Here’s some of the good times,” Hitchock wrote on Instagram.

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Also pulling the curtain down on his career is Joe Arundel, the former centre, who on occasion played in the back row, turned 35 earlier this month, and hasn’t had a professional club this year.

He last played for Batley Bulldogs in 2025, having featured for a total of 11 clubs throughout his 19-year career.

Making 166 Super League appearances, his last top-flight outing came for Wakefield in 2021, in a 44-12 victory over Hull FC.

He too took to Instagram, saying:  “As one chapter closes, another begins.

“I’ll always be grateful for everything rugby league has given me.

“It’s been one hell of a journey, and I’ll carry the memories, friendships, and lessons with me forever.

“Thank you.”