Not sure why, we love a pensioner on big money at the Eels...
Former NRL player Mark Riddell has admitted he lied about his age to extend his career, and claims other players do too.
Speaking on his Macquarie Sports Radio show this morning, Riddell said: "It's what we all do, all the footy boys once we get into the NRL we all change our birthdates so we can get extra years on our contracts."
Riddell played for the St George-Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters between 2000 and 2011.
He also played in England's Super League for the Wigan Warriors in 2009 and 2010.
The 38-year-old, who is now a rugby league commentator and radio host, claimed he was not the only player to lie about their age.
He said he was actually born in 1980 but "I changed it years ago so I could get an extra year out of my contract, my career".
When his co-host, Mark Levy, asked if he was joking, Riddell said: "I'm 100 per cent serious, all those footy cards you'll see players birthdate and you'd say 'please, as if that's his age, let's put that one back a few years'."
The hooker attracted a cult following for his characteristic goal kicking style and cheeky try celebrations then went onto explain how players systematically falsified their age.
"At the start of each year you'd have to fill in your details — so the sooner you did it the better," Riddell said.
He said the lie went much further for some players.
"I retired when I was 31 so I didn't milk it too much, some of the boys out there that I played with, I'd take a look at their birthdate and go 'please, you're 28, mate, 31? What's doing?'."
There is no age limit to play in the NRL.
The NRL has been contacted for comment.
Replies
You have to admire Piggy. He ate and drank whatever he wanted, trained like a park footballer and still played the game at the highest level.
We'll never see the likes of Piggy again.
McMark