Dave Craven Column: So, Big Lesley has waved goodbye.

What a player, what a legend and what a character.

Vainikolo will be missed in Super League, maybe not by opposition wingers but pretty much everyone else involved in the game.

Few players can transcend the sport like he has, winning friends across the board - even among rival fans who can't help but recognise a genuine superstar when he's tearing down the touchline before their very eyes.

Fittingly, Vainikolo has two chances to bid farewell before heading to Gloucester, both at Odsal in front of his adoring Bulls faithful and tonight in a gargantuan Super League fixture at Leeds.

Ever the showman, he loved being able to entertain his public on the big stage and give a few lasting reminders of what a phenomenal talent he really is.

It is just a shame Mick Withers couldn't sign off in similar style.

It was a real shock on Wednesday when news came through the Aussie had been forced into immediate retirement.

A player who, until making a move he never really wanted by joining Wigan last year, had shared all those good times with Vainikolo at Odsal.

He quietly earned just as much respect and approval and he too should have bowed out in glory. A potential Challenge Cup final at Wembley was certainly within his grasp.

But Withers, still only 31, has had to hang up his boots due to a serious knee injury so there will be no fanfare like Vainikolo's.

It's a real shame for one of the most likeable guys and unassuming characters in the sport yet also a reminder of how unforgiving the game can really be.

All Bulls fans - and, no doubt, rugby league supporters in general - will wish them both all the best in the future.