Ruben Wiki, one of the country's most formidable league players, announced his retirement yesterday.
That made his second half try in his appearance for the All Golds on Sunday night his final act in a 15-year professional rugby league career.
Wiki first came to the New Zealand public's
attention as a bruising centre for then Winfield Cup team Canberra Raiders in 1993. He first represented New Zealand the following year, going on to play a record 55 tests for the Kiwis - 18 as captain.
Wiki joined the New Zealand Warriors in 2005, adding 87 caps with the club to the 225 earned at Canberra. Those 312 National Rugby League matches are the most by a New Zealander. He scored 72 tries in the NRL, and at 35 was one of the oldest players.
"I've had a great time playing alongside so many players and it's been a lot of fun being able to say goodbye to the supporters over the last few weeks," Wiki said yesterday.
"It's been quite a ride for this boy from Otara."
