NRL Social: Retirements and fatherhood

Author: Hayley Byrnes NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 10 Aug 2018, 02:01 PM

It's been a massive week for rugby league, with so many retirements you'd be forgiven if you missed a couple. That's when your trusty NRL social recap comes into play.

Congrats Wade!

Cronulla Sharks co-captain Wade Graham and his fiancee Karianne gave birth to a baby boy, the couple's first, last week.

Graham may be a little sleep deprived, but he's thrilled with the new addition.

"It's been so good, we are loving it. Got them both home from the hospital today so glad to have them settling in at home now," Graham NRL.com.

Say hello son ❤️ William Jacques Graham 06/08/2018 @kalaf18

A post shared by Wade Graham (@wadegraham17) on Aug 5, 2018 at 7:10pm PDT

That's gotta hurt

Also on the father front, South Sydney powerhouse Sam Burgess had a mishap with his daughter Poppy.

Wouldn’t let Poppy on the white sofa in her runners. Copped a right boot on the shnozz. Blood on white Sofa. Happy Sunday everyone 😂😂 #dadlyf

A post shared by Sam Burgess (@samburgess8) on Aug 5, 2018 at 12:58am PDT

And Wests Tigers back Malakai Watene-Zelezniak wished his beautiful girl a happy fifth birthday.

Happy 5th birthday to my little princess 👸 I'm a lucky father to be able to watch you grow into such a kind hearted and caring girl. Time flies way too fast! Love you to the stars and back baby 💙 #daddiesgirl #somuchlove #growingupwaytoofast

A post shared by Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (@malakaiwatenezelezniak) on Aug 8, 2018 at 7:29pm PDT

Baby Bremner

As the NRL edges closer to a new era for women's rugby league, Sammy Bremner shared this adorable photo from when she was a kid.

Go Little Sammy 👧🏼✌🏽🌼
No wonder why i still can’t part with my ribbon in hair superstition 🤭🎀 #18yearsago pic.twitter.com/1rrLSCsTCw
— Sammy Bremner (@SammyBremner) August 7, 2018

And in a first for the NRL, mother and son are set to run out for the first time in Auckland with Lorina and Isaiah Papali'i both lining up for the New Zealand Warriors.

Mother + son 💜

📷 @NZWarriors #WomenInLeague #OurWay pic.twitter.com/lems7iYkom
— Women's Rugby League (@WRugbyLeague) August 8, 2018

What a week for retirements

After playing 313 games for the Melbourne Storm, Billy Slater announced his retirement at the end of the 2018 season.

Today I announced I will be retiring at seasons end. Thanks to everyone who has played a part in my career. I have enjoyed every moment living my childhood dream for the past 16 years. Thank you Rugby League for everything you have given me.

A post shared by Billy Slater (@b1slater) on Aug 8, 2018 at 1:34am PDT

Naturally, some great tributes followed.

Wasn’t able to play against him, but what a honour it was to watch him play and grow up to the clinics he put on. https://t.co/sduTohYnYe
— Clinton Gutherson (@ClintGutherson) August 8, 2018

I’ve had some great memories in my little stint at the storm but wouldn’t have achieved them if it wasn’t for you @b1slater! Will be sorely missed next year bud not just @storm but the entire NRL, let’s hope we send you out the champion bloke you are🐐 #changedthegame #goat

A post shared by Cam Munster (@munster94) on Aug 8, 2018 at 1:13am PDT

One of the greatest players ever and an even better mate. Congrats @b1slater #finalseason #shellnecklace

A post shared by Ryan Hoffman (@ryanhoffman12) on Aug 8, 2018 at 2:36am PDT

Jason Nightingale also chose to hang up the boots at the end of the season. The last remaining player from the Dragons' 2010 grand final victory over the Sydney Roosters will be hoping for another fairy tale finish.

Farewell to the game I ❤️ Thank you to everyone who has played a special part in my career. To the club, my country 🇳🇿the fans, my team mates, friends and family. It has been a dream come true, to be able to do this for so long. The majority of my life, so far, spent creating memories and friends that I’ll have forever. ✌🏽

A post shared by Jason Nightingale (@gypsy_no5) on Aug 9, 2018 at 3:14am PDT

A Dragons staple who will no doubt be missed by his teammates.

Congrats on a great career brother! Been some outstanding memories on and off the field. Can’t wait to try and finish the season on a high with ya @gypsy_no5 #legend

A post shared by Euan Aitken (@euanaitken) on Aug 8, 2018 at 5:48pm PDT

And veteran forward Jacob Lillyman will also call time on his NRL career at the end of the 2018 season.

"I have some many fond memories from every club I've had the pleasure to play for. I was fortunate to represent my state and make some incredible friendships along the way,' Lillyman said.

Congratulations to the Bull! Solid career Jacob Lillyman 👊🏼 #NRL

A post shared by NRL (@nrl) on Aug 7, 2018 at 10:02pm PDT

Cookie catch-up

After his side got the win over Dale Finucane's Melbourne Storm, South Sydney's Damien Cook made time for a quick catch up and some banter over Instagram.

Good to finally catch up with this lad @dalefinucane . Sorry I missed/forgot your 150th game and for letting me know it but congrats on your 153rd game 😂 . #sleepovers

A post shared by Damien Cook (@damiencook91) on Aug 3, 2018 at 7:47am PDT

Mansour in the wars again

Josh Mansour is probably a little too familiar with the Panthers team doctor, but he was all smiles despite splitting his eyebrow open during Sunday's thrilling win over the Raiders.

‪Another heart stopper for you @PenrithPanthers fans 😬 still a lot of room for improvement but good to get that crucial win. Ps. If anyone’s got a spare eyebrow send it my way 😅‬

A post shared by Josh Mansour (@joshmansour_) on Aug 5, 2018 at 2:53am PDT