CHRIS Flannery has been reflecting on not only his time at Saints but his career after he hung up his boots last Saturday.
The 32-year-old made his 137th and final appearance for the Club in the loss to Warrington and his 268th in total.
“It’s been a great career and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “It has been a good ride.”
Flanno played for Sydney Roosters before joining Saints back in 2007.
He played 121 times for that club and made 10 State of Origin appearances.
Predominantly a back rower, he filled in at centre on several occasions and it’s there where he made his bow at the weekend.
“I felt comfortable at centre but of course I would have liked to have finished off in the back row. It’s been a whirlwind season for sure. We lost our coach and then Rushie and KC came in and did a great job. At the end we were 40 minutes away from Old Trafford.
“It’s always hard when a coach leaves and it was down to the players in part. We were upset about it and wanted to lift the club. We did that with some of our performances.
“I leave on great terms with everyone here, I have loved the place and I am so glad I came to St Helens. I have played with some great players like KC, Longy and Gidley and enjoyed it. It’s been a great experience and I suppose if we could have finished off some of those Grand Finals it would have been an amazing career.
“I am looking forward to going home, but will miss the people here. The fans have been great, love their sport and that is all you can ask for.”
Flanno says he will probably sit down and fully reflect on his career in the next few weeks.
“It’s been immense really, I’ve played State of Origin and in Grand Finals and sometimes those days in the NRL seem a lifetime away.
“The Challenge Cup in 2008 over here was a real highlight, it is something in Australia you dream of doing, running out at Wembley, and it was great to experience that.
“Back home, winning the State of Origin series was good as was the 2002 Grand Final. Special times.”
