Sheffield Steelers can count on me to play again, if needed: Hewitt

Jason Hewitt says he will keep fit in the hope that he will be called on to play for Sheffield Steelers again.
Jason Hewitt - Sheffield Steelers. End of an era.Jason Hewitt - Sheffield Steelers. End of an era.
Jason Hewitt - Sheffield Steelers. End of an era.

The ‘British Bulldog’ winger has announced his retirement from the sport, but loves the league-title winning club so much that he would answer the call if there was any injury crisis.

Speaking on a Star video after Sheffield tumbled out of the Play offs, Hewitt said he was “in a bit of disbelief” over the fact his 682-game Steeler career was over. Hewitt, who spent the equivalent of 46 days in the penalty box, said: “I never thought this time would come, I still think I can contribute to this team, in this league, for Thommo (coach Paul Thompson.) But I have taken an opportunity which will be revealed pretty soon, it’s good for me and it’s good for my family, give us some future stability.

“Steelers are everything to me but ultimately my family has to come first. I will never turn my back on this team. I am retired but I am going to stay in shape and if they ever needed me I’d do it in a heartbeat. It means the world to me, this place.”

He said the team was devastated by the Play Off loss. “The league is great and we will look back on this forever, but it’s not a good feeling right now.”

Asked why victors Coventry Blaze had been a season-long bogey team, he replied: “Your guess is as good as mine. They are structured, they do all the little things right, they block shots they play for each other, all credit to them.”

Looking back he said the life-time friends he made were more important than any championship.

Jason Hewitt - Sheffield Steelers. End of an era.Jason Hewitt - Sheffield Steelers. End of an era.
Jason Hewitt - Sheffield Steelers. End of an era.

As for Jeff Legue, who has also retired, Hewitt said: “I was asked the question who was the all-time best player I have ever played with and it’s Jeff Legue. He left last year and came back and scored the League winning goal. He is in the history books for Steelers and will be for a long time. It is going to take a long time for someone to take him off that perch.”