Vagana announces retirement

7:30am Thursday 21st August 2008

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The Bulls’ Super League opponents can finally breathe easy – legendary prop Joe Vagana is hanging up his boots.

After eight memorable years with Bradford, the blockbusting forward today confirmed he will retire at the end of the season and head home to New Zealand.

Joe’s up there with Robbie Paul as the best overseas signing I’ve ever seen

Steve McNamara

Vagana, 33, said: “I’m 29 now so it’s time to finish!

“No, seriously, it’s always hard to say when but I think deep down every player knows really when it is time to go.

“I just think this is right. We have some great players coming through here like Sam Burgess, Andy Lynch and Craig Kopczak and it will be right to sit down, give the body a rest and start enjoying the game from the sidelines.

“I’ve been lucky to have been at Bradford so long and enjoyed every bit of it.

“I’ve been fortunate to play in three Grand Final-winning sides as well as winning a Challenge Cup and World Club Challenges.

“The best memories though are of the great players I’ve played with – the Pauls, Jimmy Lowes, Brian Mac, Baloo (Paul Anderson) right up to today with Burge, Deacs and Lynchy.

“I’m going to miss the guys in the dressing room, the bond we have and have always had here at Bradford, the fans and the club, although I certainly won’t miss pre-season training camps and getting beaten around on the field week in week out!”

Generally, that has been the other way around.

Since signing from Auckland Warriors in 2001, the sight of helpless defenders being splattered in Vagana’s path as the giant Kiwi charges forward has become a lasting image of Super League.

The final remaining member of the Bulls’ famous Awesome Foursome, he eased his way into the club’s Team of the Century last year but his last-ever Odsal match will be against Hull KR on Bank Holiday Monday, when Bradford plan to send him off in style.

Boss Steve McNamara said: “Joe’s up there with Robbie Paul as the best overseas signing I’ve ever seen.

“Not only has he been outstanding on the field but off it as well for all the community work he’s done.

“It’s no surprise he’s probably the most popular member of our entire organisation and can be so proud of what he’s achieved.

“In my opinion, he should have won a lot more New Zealand Test caps and there’s only political reasons behind his non-selection for a large part of time, but one thing is certain, a lot of players will be glad to see the back of Joe!

“The time comes for everyone though and he has decided this is his.

“Personally, as head coach taking over in the situation I did a couple of years ago, he has been an absolute gem for me on and off the field.

“Joe’s been a very important part of my jigsaw and I really thank him for that.”