Naiqama, 32, said difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and, in particular, having to witness the birth of his first child through FaceTime led to his decision.

In a statement issued by the club, the centre said: “Off the field, times have been tough for everyone. On a personal note, my wife Lily gave birth to our firstborn recently.

“I had to experience the birth of my daughter through FaceTime – in a hospital car park.

“It’s been the hardest years we have faced as a couple, especially with my wife having to go through that on her own and it naturally caused a lot of traumas for the both of us.

“On the back of that, both myself and my wife’s mental health were affected, but I want to thank the club welfare team of Paul Johnson and Dave Kirk for helping us through it.

“I also want to personally thank my wife for her strength in getting through it, without our family to support us.

“I can’t thank her enough for the sacrifices she has made which has enabled me to dream and continue to play professional rugby league and finish off the season here at St Helens.”