A series of shoulder injuries has led Bennett to announce his retirement

St Helens forward Mike Bennett has announced he will retire from rugby league at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has made 160 appearances and scored 16 tries in his 13-year spell at Saints.

Bennett sustained a shoulder injury in the 16-8 win at Hull in May but despite regaining full fitness has decided to retire to ensure his quality of life.

"Due to my recent injury and after great thought I have decided to retire from playing rugby league," he said.

"Although I have received offers to continue playing, the specialist cannot guarantee a similar injury would not occur again.

"After already injuring the shoulder on previous occasions I don't want to get to the stage where the shoulder is hampering my everyday life."

606: DEBATE Mike has been a great servant to the club and was always a solid player in the pack who gave 100% every time he played stleon

He was a try scorer in the 2002 Grand Final victory over Bradford Bulls and scored the last four-pointer in the 2007 Challenge Cup Semi-Final against the same team.

He has also won Grand Final honours in 2002 and 2006, the World Club Challenge in 2007 and the Challenge Cup in 2007.

Bennett, who will continue to work for Saints as the club's ambassador, says he is looking forward to his testimonial year in 2010 and has paid tribute to the Knowsley Road faithful.

"Above all, I would like to thank the fans for their superb support over the years," he added.