FORMER Leigh Centurions, Bradford, Halifax and Whitehaven forward Simon Knox, has announced his retirement for family reasons with immediate effect at the age of 32.

The front row forward joined National League One club Barrow after helping Leigh secure promotion to Super League last season.

"It's a body blow to the club," said Barrow coach Peter Roe. "Simon is a quality player and we brought him here on the back of a great season with Leigh."

Knox was a member of the Bradford side beaten in the 1996 and 1997 Challenge Cup finals at Wembley.