Burrow to retire after 17 seasons

Rob Burrow will retire from Rugby League at the end of the season after 17 seasons at Leeds Rhinos.

The half-back turned hooker has won every domestic honour available in his career, making 486 appearances since graduating from the Rhinos’ academy.

The 34-year-old will stay at Headingley following his retirement to take up a role in the player performance department, where he will work with the club’s future talent.

Speaking to the Leeds Rhinos website, Burrow said: “It has been an honour to play for Leeds my entire career and I feel now is the right time to move onto the next chapter in my career.

“I have been part of so many fantastic memories down the years and hopefully we can create a few more in the months ahead before I hang up my boots.

“Player development is something that has always interested me having worked with the scholarship for many years earlier in my career and seen players like Stevie Ward, Liam Sutcliffe and Ashton Golding come through from being schoolboys to first team players.

“Hopefully I can pass on my experience and love of the club to the next generation in my new role.”

Head coach Brian McDermott added: “Rob will be remembered as one of the greats of our game, not just in the Super League era but throughout the history of the sport.

“He is someone who never gave into the doubts of others early in his career and has continued to strive for excellence ever since.

“His role within the team has changed over the past fifteen years but his selfless attitude has meant he has always put the needs of the team ahead of his own preferences and has collected a host of silverware in return.”