Giants star Luke Robinson forced to retire with immediate effect

The 31-year-old took the decision after consulting with specialists and admitted he had little choice but to call it a day as his long-term mobility was at risk if he continued to play.

Robinson said: “In many ways the decision was taken out of my hands by listening in the cold light of day to what the specialist said. Put simply my long-term mobility was greatly at risk if I continued to train and play the sport.

“You never want to hear those sorts of words and it does shock you but after a few days the message sinks in and you have to do what’s right for yourself and your family.

“My immediate future will be rehabilitation from an operation which the club are fully supporting me through and then we have said we’ll sit down and look at where I can be of benefit to the club.

“Over these past few years I have come to regard this as my club and it’s the only one I want at be at and it is how I’ve felt for a good while now.

“I want to put something back into them and the local community that has been so supportive of my time here but we have said we’ll assess that as and when I am back mobile and able to contribute.

“Words cannot describe how difficult it was telling the lads of the decision to hang the boots up - especially at the current moment when we are low on numbers - but as I keep saying I really have no choice.”

Giants managing director Richard Thewlis paid tribute to Robinson and said the club would continue to support Robinson through his rehabilitation.

Thewlis said: “This is a very sad day for all concerned but as he himself says it’s one that will allow him to move on to the next chapter of his rugby league career safe and secure physically with every possible support we can give him.”