Tommy Makinson has confirmed that the 2026 Super League season will be his last as a professional rugby league player. The 34‑year‑old winger, who currently turns out for the Catalans Dragons, used his Instagram platform to announce that he will hang up his boots at the conclusion of this campaign.
Makinson’s career is most closely linked with St Helens, where he spent the bulk of his playing years from 2011 through 2024. During that thirteen‑year spell he helped the club secure a remarkable run of success, lifting the Super League trophy five times – in 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 – and racking up more than 300 first‑team appearances. In addition to those league crowns, he added a World Club Challenge, a Challenge Cup and four League Leaders’ Shields to his collection of honours, and his consistent excellence earned him a place in the Super League Dream Team on three separate occasions.
A natural try‑scorer, Makinson crossed the line over 200 times for the Saints, a tally that places him among the most prolific finishers in the modern era. After departing St Helens he signed for the Catalans Dragons ahead of the 2025 season, and he has already registered 20 tries in 37 games for the French‑based outfit.
His international résumé is equally impressive: he has worn the England jersey more than 20 times, representing his country in a variety of high‑profile tournaments and test matches. "As the 2026 season draws toward its closing weeks, I feel it is the right moment to announce that this will be my final year as a professional rugby league player," Makinson wrote in his social‑media statement. "Rugby league has been incredibly kind to me, and when I look back on the journey I've been on, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude. I've been very fortunate to live out a dream I had as a kid and represent some of the biggest clubs both in England and France and also the pinnacle which is representing my country." He went on to acknowledge the people who have supported him throughout his career.
"There have been so many highs, some difficult moments, incredible memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I wouldn't have been able to experience any of it without the unbelievable support I've had from my family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, supporters and everyone who has played a part in my career.
To each and every one of you, thank you." Makinson also hinted that, despite the impending retirement, he still intends to give his all for the remaining fixtures. "I've still got a few games left, and I want to enjoy every second of them.
I'll be taking it all in, appreciating the moments and giving everything I have to finish this chapter of my career in the best possible way," he said. "It's hard to put into words what rugby league has given me, but I know how lucky I am to have lived this life and played the game I love for as long as I have." The announcement comes at a time when the Super League remains a marquee attraction for sports fans across the UK and Europe. Sky Sports has secured the broadcast rights for the entire season, offering live coverage of every match, including two fixtures each round that are shown exclusively on the main channel, with the remaining five games streamed via Sky Sports+.
This extensive coverage ensures that supporters can follow Makinson’s final outings as well as the broader narrative of the competition. Makinson’s departure marks the end of an era for a player who has been a constant presence on the wing for more than a decade. His combination of speed, positional awareness and a keen eye for the try line made him a nightmare for opposition defenses.
Over the years he also evolved into a mentor for younger teammates, often taking on a leadership role within the dressing room and helping to instill the professional standards that have defined his own career. Looking ahead, the veteran winger has hinted at possible post‑retirement plans, though he has kept details deliberately vague. Many former players transition into coaching, media work, or ambassadorial roles within the sport, and given Makinson’s articulate nature and deep understanding of the game, any of those pathways would be a logical next step. For now, his focus remains squarely on finishing the 2026 season on a high note, delivering performances that reflect the dedication and skill that have characterised his tenure.
Fans of both St Helens and the Catalans Dragons have taken to social media to express their appreciation, sharing memories of iconic moments such as his hat‑trick in the 2020 Grand Final and his decisive try in the 2021 Challenge Cup semi‑final. The broader rugby league community has also joined the chorus, with former teammates, coaches and pundits highlighting his professionalism, work ethic, and the humility he displayed off the field. As the final rounds of the Super League draw near, all eyes will be on Makinson’s contributions on the pitch, the reactions of his teammates, and the emotional farewell that will inevitably accompany a player of his stature. Whether he adds another try to his record or simply provides a steady presence on the flank, his legacy is already firmly entrenched in the annals of the sport.
The 2026 campaign will close not only a chapter for Makinson but also a significant portion of modern Super League history, where his name will be remembered alongside other greats who have shaped the competition. As the season reaches its climax, the rugby league world will celebrate a career built on perseverance, talent, and an unwavering love for the game.