The coach and players of English Super League club, Hull Football Club, have commended the service contributed by their winger Fetuli Talanoa (31) who announced his retirement from the club last Tuesday 9 April.

Talanoa played for Tonga at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup and was signed by Hull FC in 2014. In the course of his career, Talanoa helped Hull to win two Challenge Cups – the Northern Hemisphere’s premium Rugby League tournament.

In a club media statement announcing the retirement, Talanoa stated that he was retiring because of recurring injury.

“This has been the hardest decision for me and my family but the timing now feels right for our journey to come to an end. Injuries have been taking their toll and it has come to a point where I would like to put my family first and take them home closer to our friends and relatives in Australia.”

“This city, the club, my coaches and team mates, the staff behind the scenes and the supporters will always have a special place in my heart”, Talanoa added.

Talanoa’s teammates paid tribute with comments of appreciation and videos shared on Twitter.

Hull vice captain, Scott Taylor stated “Absolute Pleasure taking the field with this man! One of the best blokes I’ve met.”

Hull FC coach Lee Radford praised Talanoa for his years of service and contribution.

“Fetuli has been a fantastic servant to this club who will be remembered for being an integral part of two historic Challenge Cup winning squads,”

“He has been a champion bloke who has been a popular part of our team for a number of years. It’s a great story of the club bringing someone out of the rugby league wilderness, giving them an opportunity and watching them grasp it with both hands.”

“It is disappointing to see his career finish in the way it has after a challenging time on and off the field, but he gets to leave the club on his terms and can be extremely proud of his performances for Hull FC.”