Wakefield Trinity half-back Luke Gale says victory against Toulouse in Saturday’s Championship Grand Final would be “a fantastic way to go out”.
The 36-year-old former England player announced in July that he would retire at the end of the season and would become Trinity’s academy head coach next year.
Trinity, who he joined on a two-season contract in 2023, head into Saturday’s final against Toulouse having finished 13 points clear of the French side at the top of the second-tier table.
“I’ve had friends who have ended their career with an injury, because they’ve gone on for too long,” Gale told BBC Radio Leeds.
“I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t had a thought about going around the stadium with my boots off and the cup in my hands, ready to go off into the distance.
“It would be a fantastic way to go out but honestly, we just want to get the win.”
‘Give my all’
Gale began his career on Leeds’ books and has made over 350 appearances for eight different clubs – mostly in Super League – and has won 10 England caps.
He was voted Man of Steel in 2017 and aims to cap off Trinity’s resurgence under Daryl Powell in 2024 by returning them to the top flight.
Victory over Toulouse will not guarantee Wakefield promotion back to Super League a year after relegation as the make-up of next season’s top flight will be decided by the grading clubs are given as part of media giant IMG and Rugby League Commercial’s ‘Reimagining Rugby League initiative’.
Champions Wigan, Leeds, St Helens, Catalans, Warrington, Hull FC and Hull KR were all given initial Grade A status last October, with an announcement on which 12 clubs will play in Super League in 2025 expected next week.
“If we get the job done on Saturday, what better way is there to go out? I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my year,” Gale added.
“I’ve been coaching a couple nights a week already to get a feel for it and I absolutely love the role so I’ll give my all to that.
“The next step is getting the young talent, which is important now.”