RUGBY LEAGUE EXCLUSIVE

Moment legend Elliott knew it was game over

- by DAVE CRAVEN

ELLIOTT WHITEHEAD has spoken about the heartbreaking moment he realised his brilliant rugby league career was over.

The former England second-row was supposed to enjoy one last big crack at Super League this season after rejoining Catalans following nine years Down Under.

But he has managed just 13 games and hasn't featured since being injured against Wigan in May.

Dragons confirmed last week he will retire at the end of the campaign.

However, in the ex-Canberra ace's first interview since, he has detailed how he knew he was done weeks ago.

Whitehead, who turns 36 tomorrow, said: "I woke up the morning after that Wigan match with big shooting pains all down my left leg.

"I just thought it must just be sore from the game. But I gave it a couple of days and it was just getting worse.

"We were playing Hull FC the following week and I don't know how I got through training because I could hardly walk.