Ben Creagh’s retirement makes Jason Nightingale the last survivor from the Dragons 2010 premiership

BEN Creagh’s retirement means that Jason Nightingale is the last player from the Dragons 2010 premiership who is still at the club.

DO NOT ARCHIVE... WIRE: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 03: Wayne Bennett, coach of the Dragons speaks to his players after the NRL Grand Final match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on October 3, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

AND then there was one....

St George Illawarra winger Jason Nightingale will shortly be the sole surviving member of the Dragons’ famous 2010 premiership-winning side.

The second-last member, current skipper Ben Creagh, announced his retirement on Thursday.

It means 16 of the 17-man squad which thumped the Sydney Roosters 32-8 in the 2010 decider has left the joint venture club - except Nightingale, the ever-reliable New Zealand winger.

Some have retired, others in England, several have been moved on and a handful are at rival clubs.

Reminded he was last man standing, Nightingale said: “It is something Ben and I spoke about when Trent (Merrin) left last year, we were the last two remaining then.

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“I guess there is now only one with that connection but those memories will obviously live on with all of us. Its something we speak about every time we speak to Trent or the Morris boys, Deano (Dean Young) and Ben Hornby. Those memories are still there and those connections will be there for life.

“It’s something no-one can ever take away from us, those memories especially with Benny Creagh. They are things we will cherish.

“Ben retiring is a very sad day for our club.”

Creagh, a 270-game veteran over 14 seasons, has decided his career will end after this season. He will be remember as a robust, powerful, well-respected footballer who was a bloody good bloke. Polite and accommodating, Creagh stood up year after year for the Red V, a player among the finest of his era.

A knee injury sustained against Souths in round three at the SCG curtailed Creagh’s season. Creagh, 31, will retire as the joint venture’s second most-capped player behind Ben Hornby (273).

Creagh has played the second most games for St George Illawarra, behind Ben Hornby.

“I have loved my time playing rugby league for the Dragons but unfortunately my hand has been forced with the knee injury getting worse over the course of this season,” Creagh said. “It has been a hard decision to make with my heart willing me on to continue playing first grade for this great club but deep down I know this is the right decision to make.”

His finest achievement no doubt was the 2010 grand final win.

“I have been so fortunate to accomplish so much with the pinnacle being the 2010 premiership win which was done with a terrific group of players and a lot of hard work and determination,” said Creagh.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor paid tribute to Creagh.

“Ben has been a significant part of our football club for over a decade and a leader among the playing group,” said McGregor. “He has led by example both on the field and off it so it is a shame that he has been forced to retire but his decision personifies his character in always wanting to put the club first.”

Creagh’s retirement will free up some money for Saints in their congested salary cap.

Originally published as Ben Creagh’s retirement makes Jason Nightingale the last survivor from the Dragons 2010 premiership