Life in a strip . .

Oct 19 2008 by Ken Oxley, Sunday Sun

V Born in Burnley September, 22, 1977, but moved to Oldham a year later.

V Began playing rugby league aged just eight for Royton Tigers in the now defunct Greater Manchester league.

V Moved on to north west counties league with Oldham juniors aged nine.

V Captained England schoolboys under-16s against France.

V Signed professionally for Warrington RLFC aged 15.

V Made debut against Salford in 1995 aged 17.

V First cap for England against France and Wales in 1996 aged 18.

V Made Great Britain debut against Papua New Guinea in the Oceania Tour of 1996 aged 19

V Transferred to St Helens RLFC in 1998 for world record fee for a forward.

V Awarded captaincy of St Helens in 2004.

V Became captain of Great Britain in 2005.

V Last month, he was forced to retire at the age of 30 after a series of injuries over the last two years.