The Yorkshireman admitted it was far from easy to step away from a game that has shaped his life since childhood.
“It’s an emotional time for me as I’ve been playing since I was six, and now I’m 32,” Cousins admitted.
“Sadly, I’ve played with lots of injuries over the years, and on Tuesday I had to have an operation to take nerves out of my left finger. Again, that injury has been ongoing for a couple of years but as you do, you tend to play through the pain barrier.”
The experienced forward revealed that the decision to retire had been on his mind for some time, particularly as the physical toll of the game began to weigh heavier with each season.
“At the back end of this campaign, I kind of knew my time was coming to an end,” he said. “I wanted to leave the game on my terms and, after the success of last year with West Bowling, I thought it was a good time to call it a day.
“Myself and a few other players are getting to that age where, particularly at this level of rugby, it takes its toll on your body. Sometimes you must think about what’s best for the long term.”
Since announcing his decision to retire, Cousins has been touched by the number of messages he’s received from players, coaches and supporters across the game.
“I’ve managed to play with some really good players throughout my career – players that are still playing now in the NRL and the professional ranks,” he said.
“So, it’s nice to hear from those types of people. Also, hearing from coaches who have had a big influence on your career is a great feeling. More importantly, receiving messages from people around the club feels special.
“You don’t realise until you’ve finished just how thought of and respected you are around your local club.”
As he reflected on a career filled with special memories, one particular highlight stood out for Cousins – representing the England Community Lions on tour in Australia last year.
“I had the chance to go and play for the England Community Lions in Australia (2024), so that’s certainly a highlight,” he said.
“I’ve also had some amazing days with West Bowling that will live long in the memory, whether that be Challenge Cup games or league successes. Again, growing with this current team has been fantastic.”
That sense of pride is also tied to the club’s journey over the years; a rise he has been part of since his teenage debut.
“I made my first team debut at 16 when West Bowling were still in the National Conference League,” he recalled.
“Over the years the club has dropped out of the NCL, gone over to the Yorkshire and Pennine leagues, and then rebuilt themselves from NCL Three to where they are now in the Premier Division. So, being part of the whole journey has been truly memorable.”
His career also included a brief spell in the professional ranks with Keighley Cougars — an experience he looks back on fondly despite its challenges.
“I’m still really good mates with quite a few of the lads there,” he said.
“It’s an experience that, if I didn’t do, I would definitely regret. It didn’t work out as well as it could have done, but that was because of both my issues and the club’s issues.
“However, if I hadn’t thrown myself into a professional environment at some point in my senior career, then I think that a cloud would have been hanging over me.
“I learned some really valuable things there and I managed to take those back with me to West Bowling. From there, I was able to help with developing others, and that was the most important thing for me.”
For Cousins, West Bowling has been a second home for most of his life. Having joined the club as a youngster, he quickly made his mark — handed his first-team debut at 16 by current Bradford Bulls CEO Jason Hirst.
“West Bowling have been a massive part of my life, and I want to stay involved there for my own sanity — just not in a playing capacity,” he said.
“I think I’ve got a level head and good knowledge of the game, so helping out with coaching would suit me well. I’m still very passionate about developing players, so to continue doing that at West Bowling would be great for me.”
While his playing days may be over, his connection to the club — and to the sport — is set to continue. After years of giving everything on the field, Cousins now looks forward to helping shape the next generation off it.