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St Helens captain Jody Cunningham and vice-captain Emily Roose will both retire from rugby league at the end of the 2026 season.
Lifelong best friends and two of England’s most capped female players, Cunningham and Rouge, both 34, will meet in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final against Wigan at Wembley.
The Saints duo went to school together and have been playing alongside each other since 2005. They will bow out after a brilliant career.
Between them, they helped St Helens win the Women’s Super League title, two League Leaders’ Shields and four back-to-back Women’s Challenge Cups between 2021 and 2024.
Cunningham and Roose won four Challenge Cups in a row
“I think Jody and I always knew we’d end up together,” Roose said.
“We’ve had long careers together and, to be honest, I don’t think either of us would want to play without the other.
“A long time ago, we said we would retire together when the time came.”
Both Cunningham and Rudge became members of the inaugural St Helens women’s team formed in 2018.
Cunningham was named vice-captain in 2019 before being appointed the club’s sole captain in 2021, leading the Red V to a historic treble.
The 34-year-old loose forward was later revealed as the Woman of Steel for the 2021 Betfred Super League season. Cunningham scored 43 tries in 95 games for Saints.
Cunningham has also won 34 caps for the England women’s national team, overtaking Roose on 33 last year.
“Rudgey (Emily) and I had been thinking about this as our last year for quite some time, and we thought it was finally time to make it official so we could enjoy our last time in the finals of a competition that has played such a big role in our careers,” Cunningham said.
“Rugby league has given me everything in life, and I am grateful for the opportunity and experience to play the game I love.
Cunningham and Roose have played together since their school days
“There’s still a long way to go with the Challenge Cup final, the Women’s Super League and a World Cup at the end of the year, but knowing this is my last season motivates me even more to go out and hopefully pick up some silverware with this incredible club and the most amazing group I’ve got.”
Roose, who previously captained England, is one of only two players to have scored 48 tries in 100 games for the club.
“I probably think I can go on for a few more years!” Dr. Rouge. “But I’m sure it’s the right decision. I’m excited for other opportunities and to experience some new things.”
“Rugby league is a huge part of my life and a huge part of my identity. Every big moment in my life traces back to rugby in some way. It’s helped shape me as a person and given me the opportunity to do amazing things and meet incredible people.
“Being a St Helens player has been amazing. Since starting in 2018, the whole journey has been really special, starting with a core group of players and still playing with a lot of the same girls has been incredible. I think that togetherness shows on the field as well.
“As this is our last year, we just want to go all out, give absolutely everything and make it a season to remember. The World Cup has always been a huge motivation.
“I’ve played four World Cups, and I’ve always wanted to push for a fifth World Cup, but there’s still a long way to go. My focus is totally on the Saints, I just want to play well, help the team have the best season and enjoy every moment of this final year.”
Sky Sports Every game in the Super League will again be shown live this season – with two matches from each round exclusively live, the remaining five matches will be shown every week. Sky Sports+
