2008 Challenge Cup and League Leader's Shield Winners,
St Helens RLFC
News
Super Hooper to retire
INJURY has forced St Helens’ utility forward Jason Hooper to prematurely end his Rugby League playing career.
The 29-year-old made the decision in conjunction with his family after recent surgery to reconstruct his shoulder. Jason cited that ensuring a high quality of life was a key factor in the decision.
Jason said, 'It was a tough decision to make, I spoke it through with friends, family and Daniel and I knew it was a decision that I had to make. I am a qualified carpenter and need to earn a living for the next thirty years'. He went on to say, 'The fans and the Club have been great with me since day 1, all of the family has has a great time over the last five years, especially with all the success we have had. Although it's a sad time in many ways, it's also an exciting one in terms of what's next for the Hooper family'.
Australian, Hooper popped his shoulder against Leeds towards the end of the 2005 season and it has proved troublesome ever since.
In January he returned home early from the club’s training camp in Dubai and despite vowing to play through the pain barrier, only made two appearances as substitute against Huddersfield and Harlequins this season before doctors ruled it needed surgery.
Also known as ‘Hooperman’, Jason played for Illawara Steelers in 1998 and then joined St. George Illawara Dragons in 1999.
Notching 21 tries in 87 NRL appearances his adaptability alerted then Saints’ coach Ian Millward who signed him in 2002.
And an impressive debut against UTC in the Challenge Cup on February 8, 2003 made him an instant fans’ favourite. Stepping off the bench he scored two tries in a 70 – 6 win.
A couple of weeks later he was blasting through Bradford’s line in his first home match.
An outstanding member of the 2004 squad that won the Challenge Cup, Jason will be remembered for his tackle on Kris Radlinski in the final at Cardiff that led to the first try.
Chasing a lost cause on the sixth tackle he ankle-tapped the Wigan fullback as he kicked, causing him to lose the ball.
Pounced on by Willie Talau who fed to Lee Gilmour, the Saints opened up a lead that sped them to a 32-16 victory.
He was also part of the 2006 team that won all four trophies, although he had to sit out the World Club Challenge in 2007 because of his injury.
Equally at home at loose forward, stand-off or hooker, he has been an influential part of the club’s success making 103 appearances (7 as sub), scoring 44 tries and kicking 30 goals for a total of 236 pts.
Jason’s Saints’ Stats at a glance:
|
Season
|
Apps
|
Tries
|
Goals
|
Drops
|
Points
|
|
2003
|
28
|
10
|
0
|
0
|
40
|
|
2004
|
31
|
20
|
14
|
0
|
108
|
|
2005
|
21
|
7
|
9
|
0
|
46
|
|
2006
|
28
|
7
|
7
|
0
|
42
|
|
2007
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Totals
|
110
|
44
|
30
|
0
|
236
|
Saints Chairman, Eamonn McManus, added, ‘Jason has given fantastic service to the Club over the past few years. He is one of the toughest, most committed and popular members of the squad and everyone at the Club will be sorry to see him leave. I wish him and his family the very best of luck for the future'.
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