Sheffield Eagles scrum-half Anthony Thackeray will retire at the end of the 2022 season, capping off an illustrious career.
Thackeray signed for the Eagles in 2019 and became a Wembley hero during his debut year, winning the Ray French Award as Man of the Match in the 1895 Cup Final against Widnes Vikings at Wembley Stadium.
Thackeray, after starting his career at Hull FC, has been a thorn in the side of all Championship defences in the last 14 years, playing for the likes of Widnes, Castleford Halifax, Dewsbury, Featherstone and the Eagles.
Discussing Thackeray, Eagles Director of Rugby Mark Aston said: “Anthony has been everything what the Eagles is about”
“He has brought talent and expertise to the table and has been the ultimate professional that we expect all squad members to aspire to be.
“He will continue to be a danger to all defences as he will be looking to go out on a high, especially in a historic year for Sheffield Eagles as we return to the Olympic Legacy Park permanently.”
Talking to Love Rugby League at the Championship Media Day this afternoon, Thackeray said: “I just really want to enjoy myself this year. It will be my last year,”
“In the last two years, due to COVID and whatnot, and I had a couple of injuries, I really didn’t enjoy myself.
“Firstly I just want to go out there as a last hurrah I suppose and play well each week, but really enjoy myself.
“I’ve still got the desire and stuff there. But I’m getting to that point now where it’s probably time to call it and move on to pastures new.”
A great servant to the game.
