Former Huddersfield Giants and Leigh Leopards man Ricky Leutele has posted an emotional message on social media to call time on his career.
Leutele left Super League at the end of the 2024 season after being released by Leigh and 12 months on, he has taken to Instagram to bring the curtain down on his professional playing career. It’s a decision that brings and end to a 14-year career in the sport, with the centre making 249 first grade appearances.
The 35-year-old started his career at Cronulla Sharks in the NRL and made 128 appearances for the club over a nine-year spell. During his time with the Sharks he scored 30 tries and that includes six during the club’s 2016 Premiership winning season, with Leutele featuring for the club in the Grand Final.
The centre moved on to join Toronto Wolfpack ahead of the 2019 season and made 35 outings for the North American outfit, helping them to promotion to Super League along the way. However, he returned to the NRL with Melbourne Storm when Toronto withdrew from the competition and made one outing for the club.
He joined Huddersfield ahead of the 2021 season and scored 20 in 37 games for the club before signing with newly promoted Leigh, where he played 48 times. Leutele spent last season with Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup where he made six outings.
The centre made seven appearances for Samoa over the course of his career, too.
However, it seems he has now drawn a line under his playing career, with the social media post suggesting he will stay in sport to help the next generation of players coming through the ranks.
“Better late than never,” he wrote on Instagram. “12 months since we moved back from England, and this year has given me the chance to really reflect on my career.
“What a ride it has been. Just a kid from Logan, Woodridge with big dreams of playing just one game of NRL, going on to play 14 years professionally across the NRL and Super League — it’s something I could have only dreamed of.
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“Mum, Dad, and my siblings — thank you for taking me to training and games when I was younger. The road was never easy, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“Over the years there were setbacks, injuries, and moments of self-doubt that challenged me. Every obstacle only made me stronger. Even when quitting felt like the easier option, I’m proud I pushed through. Along the way I was fortunate enough to hit milestones, win a premiership, play for my country, and represent my culture and family.
“Thank you to @cronullasharks for the opportunity to debut in 2010, where I spent 10 years at the club and made Cronulla my new home. Thank you to @torontowolfpackofficial , @storm , @giantsrl_official , and @leighrlfc for trusting me to represent your clubs on and off the field. To my coaches, managers, teammates, and the fans — thank you for the memories.”
He added: “Forever grateful for the memories, friendships, and lessons. Excited for what’s ahead and to give back to the next generation chasing a dream like the life I was fortunate enough to live.”
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