Martin Gleeson: Salford centre retires and takes academy role

Gleeson spent the final two seasons of his career at Salford

Former Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson has announced his retirement from rugby league but will remain with Salford Red Devils in a coaching role.

The 34-year-old will take up a position with the Super League club's academy.

"I'm looking forward to my new career, starting with developing the youth of Salford and taking my first steps as a coach," Gleeson told the club website.

Gleeson also played for Huddersfield, St Helens, Warrington, Wigan and Hull FC during a 15-year career.

He was twice a member of Grand Final-winning sides, scoring two tries for Wigan in their 2010 victory over St Helens, eight years after he was part of the Saints team that beat Bradford Bulls at Old Trafford.

However, in 2004, Gleeson and St Helens team-mate Sean Long were suspended and fined for breaking rugby league betting rules, after they both admitted placing bets on their own team to lose a match at Bradford.

And he missed the entire 2012 season after he was banned for failing a drugs test while with Hull FC.

Gleeson, who played 20 games for Great Britain and six times for England, joined Salford at the start of 2013 and scored two tries in 27 Super League outings during his two years as a Red Devils player.