It’s with huge regret that we must confirm the retirement of our skipper, Kenny Baker, with immediate effect.
Kenny revealed,
“Firstly it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to retire from rugby league, which has always been my passion from being four years old.
“But on saying this, things change in life, and sometimes you have to sacrifice something you love for another reason. In my case this is a better quality of life for me and my family. Along with this, I have been struggling physically with the demands of work, rugby, and being a dad for the past three or four years. By the time game day comes along I have next to zero energy left from the working week.
“I would like to thank everyone at Swinton Lions. No matter what your role at the club, you have all always made me and my family feel so welcome.
“Also thank you to every club I have ever represented. I have met some truly great people on my journey who are now some of my best friends, and all because of rugby league.
“See you around – Kenny.”
Lions’ Head Coach, Paul Wood, added the following tribute:
“First of all, I just want to thank Kenny for everything he’s given to Swinton Lions. He’s been a fantastic addition to the squad and a real leader within the group. The way he’s shared his experience and knowledge of the game with our younger players has been outstanding, and we can’t thank him enough for that.
“Kenny came out of retirement to play for Swinton, and the initial plan was always for him to give us one season. At this stage of the year, he’s realised that he’s at a point in his career where he doesn’t quite have the desire to go through the rest of a second campaign, and I completely respect and understand that decision.
“When you reach the latter stages of your career, other things quite rightly take priority, especially your health and your family, and I’ve got nothing but respect for Kenny for being honest about where he’s at.
“I can’t thank him enough for what he’s given us. I’ve absolutely loved working with him, not just as a player but as a person, and I consider him a good friend. We wish Kenny all the very best for the future, and we hope to still see him around Swinton for the rest of the year.”
Lions’ CEO Steve Wild added:
“Kenny has been a great servant to this club over two spells. He has led from the front as a player and as an inspirational captain, and he is someone that I personally have enormous respect for. Kenny also drove high standards for himself, and his retirement announcement is one of courage and honesty which is typical of the person he is.
“Kenny will be a huge miss at Swinton Lions, but he and his family will always be welcome at our club. Good luck Kenny in everything you do in the future.”
