A broken leg has ended the rugby league playing career of inspirational Wests fullback Reece Simmonds.Simmonds suffered the same injury that stopped him from playing in last year's Illawarra Carlton League grand final and as a result has decided to hang up his boots.The career-ending break happened midway through the second half of the Illawarra Carlton League game between the reigning premiers and Simmonds' former club Collegians at Parrish Park on Saturday night.As a player he was extremely popular at all levels of the game, but in recent years sustained more than his share of serious injuries."It's the same break," a disappointed Simmonds said yesterday."I attempted to tackle a Collies player and it just happened as simple as that. The same place as last year. I knew it was serious."It's ended my playing career. I can't afford to risk it again."It is likely that Simmonds will remain involved with Wests in an off-field capacity."(Coach) Paul (McGregor) has asked me to help out," Simmonds said.McGregor confirmed that he wants Simmonds to remain involved."I'm shattered. As a player and a leader Reece will be sorely missed. I'm hoping he will stay with the club and help out," McGregor said."This is terrible. He's broken the same leg in the same spot."He was playing really good footy. He's an outstanding player. His knowledge is so valuable, not just as a gamebreaker but he has such a great, positive influence on his team-mates."Simmonds played NRL with St George Illawarra and South Sydney. He captained the successful Illawarra Division team in the NSW Country Rugby League Divisional Championships and the Australian Centenary Country Trophy.He also played for Collegians and Wests when they won recent Illawarra League premierships and has been involved in a coaching capacity with the Steelers' NSWRL junior representative teams."Reece was a tremendous talent for us, not only as an excellent player but with junior development within our club. He worked hard in that area for us," said Collegians Leagues Club vice-chairman Bruce Prior.