Ellis told teammates it had been a hard decision, but injuries had taken their toll and he could no longer enjoy the game.

A member of the Pickers Top 20 Players announced last year and a key part of Maitland’s 2010 and 2011 premierships, Ellis was Herculean in his efforts until the final whistle.

The Pickers almost snatched victory in the last minutes with a try out wide. It levelled the scores at 22-all, but Kurt Aldridge narrowly missed the conversion kicking from the sideline.

The Pickers managed to convert only one try, with regular kicker Josh Morrison sidelined with a shoulder injury, and the kicking duties shared by Aldridge and five-eighth Cal Edwards.

Maitland ran in five tries to four and were unlucky not to get home with a win.

A number of critical decisions went against them including claims by Pickers defenders that they had held up Centrals halfback Danny Kerr who was awarded the try which took the Butcher Boys to an 18-22 lead with 10 minutes to go.

Pickers coach Trevor Ott said his team had plenty of opportunities, but had made costly errors when they moved the ball too laterally in the second half.

Ott paid tribute to Ellis and said that he had been a great servant to the club, not only in the 2010-11 premierships years but in the lean years since when injury was taking its toll on his body.

“I think everyone who has played with PJ knows just how professional he has been, what an inspiration he has been to his teammates and how much they have all learned from him,” Ott said.

Ellis said he didn’t know what to expect when he first came to Maitland seven years, but the club and the city had become a major part of his life and he would cherish the memories of his involvement.

After a round of applause, Pickers players, officials and fans lined up to hug and thank one of the club’s favourite sons.

Sportsground farewell harks back to golden years | PHOTOS