PAUL Wellens has paid tribute to former Saints teammate Gary Wheeler, who this week announced his retirement from rugby league at the age of 33.

A highly-rated Saints junior signed from the familiar Blackbrook nursery, Wheeler scored 22 tries in 64 appearances in the red vee from 2008, but had awful luck with injury.

He came off the bench in Saints' 2011 Grand Final defeat.

He went on to play for Warrington, Toronto and Barrow.

Wheeler posted on Instagram: “Well it’s finally time to call it a day.

“This is a hard one for me to accept and say.I’ve been putting it off for a while, but now it’s out of my control. Injuries have played a big part in my career but unfortunately this one can’t be healed with another operation.

“25 years ago this journey started as an eight-year-old kid with a dream.

"I can say it’s been one hell of a rollercoaster, I’ve had an amazing career despite all the setbacks and adversity.

“I’ve met some amazing people along the way and I’ve saw the world doing it. So a big thank you to all my team-mates, coaches, friends and fans who’ve supported my journey along the way.

“To all my family who’s been there through all the highs and lows, The sacrifices you’ve had to make to I’m forever grateful.

“Big thank you to Blackbrook Royals, St Helens, Warrington Wolves, Toronto Wolfpack and Barrow Raiders – it’s been a pleasure and a privilege to be part of your club and heritage.

“Looking forward to the next chapter in my life, still being involved with the sport and also helping out the next generation.

“Hopefully I can pass on my learning experiences to them and give them as much help and guidance as I can.

“It’s been a pleasure.”

Saints Coach paid his tribute on behalf of the club and revealed that Wheeler is already back in the fold, putting back into the comunity with the club.

Wellens said: "I played with Gary when he came through as a young junior and there was always huge talk around him.

"In terms of quality junior players he has been up there with the very best but he did not have the best of luck with injuries during the course of his career.

"Whenever he pulled on a Saints jersey he was always a threat against the opposition and is someone who was a very well-liked member of the group when he was here playing and went to different teams throughout his career.

"Everyone at the club would like to wish Gary all the best for the future.

"He has started working with the club, doing stuff for the community, which is great because as a club we like to look after our own so to speak and having him in and around the club will allow him to give a lot more back."