Super League: Mark Percival to retire at end of season after 13-year career with St Helens

St Helens' centre Mark Percival has announced he will retire at the end of the 2026 Super League season.

Percival has made the decision in the wake of a recommendation to undergo a shoulder replacement at the end of the current campaign, bringing to an end a 14-season professional career spent entirely with the Saints after joining the club as a 14-year-old.

The 32-year-old Saints' legend was a part of five Super League title-winning Saints teams alongside winning four League Leaders' Shields, a Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge.

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"After a lot of thought, I have made the decision to retire from rugby league at the end of this season," Percival said in a statement on social media.

"Although this has been a very emotional decision, I know the time is right to put my health and my family first.

"Rugby league is a tough sport to which I have always given 100 per cent, this season it has heavily impacted my home life leading to medical advice to have my shoulder replaced at the end of this season.

"When I arrived at this club at 14 I never would have imagined I would be able to look back on such a fortunate career.
I feel very lucky to have taken to the field with such a special group and very proud of the trophies and titles we have contributed to this great club's history.

"I will be eternally grateful for the memories both on and off the field and would like to thank my family, friends and staff that have supported me throughout the highs and lows of my career, I truly couldn't have done it without each of you."

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St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus also paid tribute to Percival's career in a statement on the club's wesbite, adding: "Whilst it's sad that Percy is the latest, in quick succession after Tommy Makinson and Jonny Lomax, of a generation of truly great Saints players to announce their retirement, it also highlights and emphasises how fortunate we have been as a club to witness his and their careers.

"Percy's achievements are self-evident and all of his accolades richly deserved. But yet again, it is immense bravery and selflessness which distinguish him from other successful careers.

"On behalf of us all, thank you for the joy that you've brought to us all over the last 14 seasons, Percy, and the very best wishes to you and your family in your future lives together."

Sky Sports will show every game of the Super League live this season, including two matches each round exclusively live. The remaining five matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports+.