Ex-Wigan Warriors prop Dom Crosby hopes to stay in the game

Dom Crosby's highlight of his playing career

Last Wednesday night, the prop announced he is retiring due to injuries at the end of this season.

The Wiganer won two Grand Finals with his hometown club before moving onto Warrington and then his current home, Leeds.

He is unsure exactly what he wants to do next but said: “Ideally I want to stay in the game, it’s all I’ve ever really known. Whether that’s coaching, or on the welfare side of it, I’m not sure.

“I knew this day would come but to be honest, thinking about doing something else is a bit daunting.”

Crosby hasn’t played since September 2018 due to a foot injury and decided to quit, aged 29, on medical advice.

“I’ve had four operations and numerous setbacks. It’s been pretty tough going,” he said. “Leeds have really helped me out, I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had, and since announcing I’m retiring I’ve been blown away by the messages I’ve had from team-mates and fans. It’s made me feel really proud.”

Under the current academy system, Crosby may have missed the cut. He was 19 when he was invited to trial for Wigan and after impressing in the second-string, he earned a full-time contract. He made his debut under Shaun Wane in 2012 and went onto win two Grand Finals, in ‘13 and ‘16, before moving onto the Wolves.

“If I had to pick one highlight it would be my first Good Friday derby,” he said.

“I didn’t know what to expect but it was a big crowd at the DW, Sean O’Loughlin put me through for a try and I got man of the match. That was obviously a pretty special day – but the two Grand Final wins are right up there as well.”

Asked to nominate the best player he has come across, he replied: “I’ve been lucky to play with some exceptional players but Lockers is a cut above. I grew up watching him and it was a privilege to take to the field alongside him.”

As he weighs up his next career move, Crosby can reflect on a career which surpassed all of his early hopes and aspirations.

“I was speaking to my wife about this and I said, ‘If someone had said when I was 10 or 11, you’ll play one game for Wigan, then that would have been enough’,” he said. “Honestly, I’d have snatched their hand off. So to play over 100 games for my hometown club, play in four Grand Finals, win two of them, travel the world, play for two other great clubs in Warrington and Leeds... I feel very grateful.

“I’ve always been hard on myself, but when I have some perspective, I’m pretty proud of that.”