ONE of Group 4's most respected players has decided to call time on his illustrious career.
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Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters' front-rower Chris Vidler has decided his side's 40-4 grand final loss to the North Tamworth Bears earlier this month would be his last game of rugby league.
"I decided a few weeks ago that this season would be my last," Vidler told the Leader.
"I've had a lot of fun, but the time is right for me to pull the pin on playing."
Having played for a number of clubs, Vidler went to the very top of both Group 4 and Group 21 during his career.
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"I'd have to say winning five premierships in a row with West Lions was probably the highlight of my career," he said.
"It's a shame they're not in the competition anymore, but I had a lot of fun and enjoyed a lot of success there.
"I also had a cracking time in Group 21 with Aberdeen for a season before coming back here. All up, it has really been a lot of fun."
Bears halfback and long-time on-field rival Andrew Moodie praised Vidler, saying he was one of the region's most respected players.
"Chris has been a great stalwart for this group and, even when he went to Group 21, he was still a champion," Moodie said.
"He's a champion bloke and I just want to congratulate him on a fantastic career."
Vidler said his 2018 move back to the Roosters had paid dividends when the side made this year's grand final.
"The main focus for me this year was to see the younger blokes make it this far in the season," he said.
"I think at times they were lacking a bit of confidence and we probably didn't look like a grand final team.
"However, the boys really pulled it together and, for me, that is a great way to finish up."
Vidler said he was keen "to stay part of the club" in the future.
"I'll be around the club, but I won't be putting the boots back on - that's for sure.
"I think I'll enjoy watching from the sidelines in the next few years."
Despite being sent off in the dying minutes of this year's grand final, Vidler said he had "no regrets".
"I've played a lot of footy and have been sent off a lot of times, so I think in some ways it's kind of fitting to be sent off in my last game," he said.
"All jokes aside, I've had an awesome run and I don't regret a second of it."