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Kiwi Ferns legend Honey Hireme-Smiler has ended an 18-year stellar career by announcing his immediate retirement from rugby league on Sunday morning.
Fresh off the Kiwi Ferns’ 28-8 victory over Fetu Samoa on Saturday, Hireme-Smiler says he hopes to have left the jersey in a “better place” after a journey that included 32 Tests and four World Cups.
The 39-year-old is arguably one of the best players to ever wear a Kiwi Ferns jersey, but she has suffered setbacks in recent seasons with injury and the personal loss of her mother Caryn.
Hireme-Smiler will also hang up his boots in NRL Telstra’s Women’s Premier League after a season at St George Illawarra and false starts at the Warriors.
She leaves the game with many accolades, including selection in NRL.com’s Team of the Decade, 2013 World Cup player, New Zealand Order of Merit member, and three-time Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year.
“Deciding to retire has been a very difficult decision, my heart and mind would play football until I was 50, but my body tells me that my time is up,” Hireme-Smiler said in a statement.
“I love my team, my sport and I love to compete, I have given everything I can as a player and I have always aimed to give nothing less than my best.
“Although I may not be on the field, making an impact, I will continue to serve the game off the field for many years to come.
“Every teammate, every coach, every manager, coach, medical staff, support person, mentor, fan, friend and most of all, my loving whānau, thank you for being part of this journey, for your guidance, support and love . really grateful to all of you. “
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The announcement is a blow to the Kiwi Ferns ahead of their preparations for the 2021 World Cup with the loss of Hireme-Smiler leaving a significant void in the bottom line.
Hireme-Smiler starred in the 2017 tournament with 13 attempts in four appearances, including a record six attempts against the Cook Islands in Sydney, a hat-trick against England in the semi-final and a double in the final against Australia.
“On behalf of everyone in our rugby league communities, we would like to thank Honey for her excellent service to the game and for all that she has accomplished,” said NZRL CEO Greg Peters.
“It has paved the way for countless women to become involved and successful in rugby league, and will continue to serve as an invaluable role model both on and off the field for years to come.
“We are extremely fortunate that someone of his caliber has worn the black and white jersey for so long and we cannot thank Honey enough for her dedication to the game and her communities, which I am sure will never end.” .
“We will absolutely miss her, and it is sad to see her in such an outstanding career, but she is a great ambassador who embodies all that is good about the sport, there is no question that she has left the jersey in a better place.”
