LEE Smith is planning to become an agent after announcing his rugby retirement.

The former Bulls skipper and England international has called it quits following a career that saw him win three Super League titles with Leeds.

And the 32-year-old revealed that he almost gave up the game before signing at Odsal in 2017.

“I actually thought about retiring then,” he said. “But the chance came to join Bradford and it excited me to try and keep them up.

“I enjoyed my time there and they’re back where I started with them, which is nice to see.

“I had already started preparing mentally for retirement by then though.

“It’s been my ambition to become a sports agent for some time, and I’m taking steps through the RFL to try and do that.”

Smith’s time at the Bulls was hampered by injury and he missed five months in his first season as they were relegated from the Championship.

He was named club captain by John Kear when the coach was appointed 13 months ago but played just 12 times in League One, scoring four tries. Smith’s last appearance was against Doncaster in June.

He added: “I’ve still got lots to offer this sport. Agents can play a massive part in the career of young players in particular.

“When you’ve been there and done it, the advice you’re giving hopefully means a bit more because you’ve experienced tough times in the sport.

“There’s some big pressure involved with playing this game, and hopefully I can get the message across that I’ve been there, done it and can help people when times are tough.

“I’m passionate about guiding players through their career. That side of it excites me and that’s influenced my decision to call it a day now.”