According to the front page of the wep

If true genuinely gutted for the lad who at the end of 2011 looked like becoming the cornerstone of our pack for the next 6/7 years.

It's been coming hasn't it and its a real shame. He always just needed a run of games to develop his game and he finally got that around 2010-2011 but his injury problems returned with a vengeance.

On the plus side for this lad is the fact he has a good degree behind him and should now be able to cut a good career away from the game.

The best of luck to him.

When he first came in the first team scene never rated him and never thought he had a future at Wigan.

Proved me wrong though and became an excellent Prop for us had good go forward and a great work ethic along with the odd frustrating kick off return!

Gutted for the lad, tragic for him to have to retire, yes we all saw it coming but still does not make it any easier to take.

Good luck to the lad in whatever he does in future.

Sad news but the way the last couple of years have gone for him not entirely unexpected.

Best of luck for the future Prekkie.

Always sad, but life goes on. All the very best for the future..

Hard lines Prekkie. I didn't always rate him but there could be no doubt that he gave his all week in week out. He has seen the lows of us almost getting relegated and the highs of us winning the Grand Final and the Challenge Cup. I hope he kicks on and makes something of his law degree.

Final thought - Super League Semi Final 2010. THAT RUN where he barrels Clarkson over

He would have kicked on to be pushing at international level without the injuries so it's sad that he never fulfilled his potential. Still 145 games for Wigan, some trophies and caps for Ireland is a pretty good career.

As he debuted in 2004 is he due a testimonial?

That is a real shame

In his favour though he is an educated bloke. I am sure he will find a new career path.

His kick returns would either end up with a fumble or a spectacular bump on the defender.

Didn't he do it twice from kick offs in that game or am I thinking of a different match?

I think you might be right. Quality pic btw

Shame for the lad, he's been really unlucky with injuries. As mentioned though, he won't be struggling for work with a law degree under his belt.

Shame.

Good solid prop.

Best wishes to him for the future.

Always rated him. Good solid player, never took a backward step. Shame his career had been hampered by injuries. He has his Law degree, so truth be told, he may end up making more money out of the game than in it!

What a pity.

Just goes to show how short a career can be and why we shouldn't begrudge them a high wage while playing.

Not all players will have a law degree or career to fall back on like Prescott so at least he has that and some great memories of success at his time here. Good luck to him for the future.

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?