FORMER York City Knights captain Scott Rhodes has retired from professional rugby league – three weeks after leaving Huntington Stadium for Dewsbury Rams.

The 28-year-old half-back, who had been the Knights’ longest-serving player, told The Press he had hung his boots up due to new work and family commitments.

Recent injury problems – he missed all but the first four games of York’s 2008 campaign due to a complicated shoulder problem – also played a part in his thinking.

He has not ruled out a return at some point, and has expressed an interest in either coaching or having a run-out in the amateur game, but for now he says he can no longer commit to the pro arena.

“I’ve come to a decision to hang my boots up,” confirmed Rhodes, pictured. “I was quite happy going to Dewsbury Rams but now due to new work commitments – having to work shifts with a new job – I’ve had to call it a day.

“I have a young family as well. We’ve had a little boy and that played a part in the decision as well.

“Dewsbury had offered me a contract I was happy with but I’ve had to turn it around. In the long-run I’ve got to look after myself and my family and I’ve had to make that decision.”

He added: “Rugby league and playing for York has been a massive part of my life. It was a really tough decision to retire but I’m 28 now and I’ve had a lot of injuries and I suppose that played some part in my thinking.”

Rhodes, York born and bred and a product of Heworth ARLC, started out in the professional game as a teenager with Leeds Rhinos’ academy.

He made two loan appearances in Super League for Hull and then played for Sheffield and Dewsbury before signing for his home-town club, York, in March 2003.

He went on to play 113 times for the Knights – more than any other player thus far – scoring 33 tries and being named club captain for 2008. He was part of the 2005 National League Two title-winning squad under Mick Cook, but regards the 2004 season under Richard Agar as his most treasured, when he missed only one match and scored 15 tries in 35 appearances.

“I’ve really enjoyed my career, apart from the injuries,” he said. “I’ve played for a few clubs and I haven’t got a bad word to say about any of them. I’ve loved it at York and being made captain was a proud moment.

“The highlight or the most enjoyable was probably 2004, even though we just failed to get promoted when we played Halifax in that thriller (NL2 Grand Final) at Widnes.

“That season sticks out in my mind. I played alongside Danny Brough (at half-back) and players like Lee Jackson and Richie Hayes.

“We reached the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, the semi-finals of the Arriva Trains Cup and the Grand Final.

“I think we won 25 games in total that year – if you win 25 games these days you probably go up.”

Rhodes also won six caps for Scotland, qualifying to represent the Saltire through his dad, who was born north of the border.

“Playing for Scotland at international level was a proud moment in my life and playing in the 2000 World Cup is something else I will never forget,” added the half-back.

As for the future, he said: “The door is not entirely closed on playing again if circumstances change, though I can’t say.

“I’ve already thought about playing in the amateur game if I can. If not, I would like to stay in rugby league in some shape or form, whether it’s coaching or helping out or whatever, just staying involved.”