Ex-Super League and State of Origin man retires leaving emotional message

Former Catalans Dragons man Jarrod Wallace has retired from rugby league following the expiration of his contract with the Super League side.

He moved to the Dragons midway through the most recent season, making seven appearances and scoring two tries in the side’s unsuccessful attempt to make it into the play-offs.

Previous to that, he spent 13 seasons Down Under in NRL, becoming a six-time appearance-maker in State of Origin.

However, he only made two NRL appearances in 2024 despite being a regular for The Dolphins in 2023.

The prop spent most of his NRL career with Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans and made over 200 appearances.

He also made seven NRL finals appearances across that time.

Ex-Catalans Dragons man retires following 2024 Super League season

Via social media, Wallace said: “To the coaches, staff, trainers, managers, and fans, words do no justice for the appreciation I have for every individual,” Wallace shared on social media.

“To the men that have made my career, playing with or against, you will never understand how truly grateful I am to you because you pushed me everyday to be better and you made it one hell of a ride.

“To my children, I hope I made you proud. Because on many days you were the reason I got out of bed, no matter how busted my body was, I did it because I saw how much it put a smile on your faces.

“To my family and friends, you are the best and I will always love and appreciate you for being there when I need a shoulder to lean on.”

He continued: “To my beautiful wife, you found me when I was at one of the lowest points in my life and gave me a reason to pick myself up.

“You showed me how great life is, no matter the battles I faced off the field even when I wanted to give up. You showed me the man I was and even better man I could be.

“You have loved me in every season, I cannot wait to take a backseat and celebrate everyone of your successes now. You show the best, most unconditional love to our babies and are the funnest part in all of our lives.

“Here is to an incredible career, surrounded by the best people for every up and down, injury and victory. But here is to a break, to enjoy my wife, children, family and friends.

“Most importantly to celebrate the incredible men and women that make this awesome sport happen every season, on the field, or behind the cameras.”