Former Man of Steel forced to retire

Very few players can claim to have been crowned the best player in Super League, and even fewer can claim to have been seen as such during a period full of such quality players, but Danny Brough can.

The former Hull FC, Castleford, Wakefield and Huddersfield halfback won the accolade back in 2013 when playing his best rugby with the Giants as they secured a first and only League Leaders’ Shield.

An England and Scotland international, he accomplished almost everything in the sport and was one of the finest kickers the game has ever seen often tormenting opponents with his boot.

But today that has all come to an end with the Bradford halfback retiring due to medical advice.

With over 500 career appearances and a Challenge Cup win under current Bradford boss John Kear to be proud of, Brough should have few regrets even if his career has been cut shorter than he’d have liked for medical reasons.

It’s fitting that Brough should end his career under the coach who helped make his name at Hull and John Kear, along with everyone currently Bradford, wished Brough well as he heads into the next stage of his life. Kear said: “It is very sad news, it was the third time we have worked together and unfortunately it has come to a sad end but one I feel that Danny’s body was telling him and consequently I feel he has made the correct decision.

“A fit Danny Brough would get into any team but father time catches up with everyone and your body tells you when it is time. Danny has listened and hopefully he can enjoy a very illustrious retirement and reflect on everything he has achieved.

“He ends as the joint fifth highest points scorer in Rugby League history and that is something to be very, very proud of. The number of appearances he has made is something to be very proud of, he has been involved in a League Leaders’ success, that is something to be very proud of and he has also won a Challenge Cup which is something to be very proud of.

“In that game, in my opinion when Kevin Sinfield won the Lance Todd trophy I feel the journalists got it wrong and if they waited a little bit longer they’d have seen the bloke at scrum half playing for Hull! He has made a big impression and I hope he is remembered as such.

“We would like to thank him for what he has done, we did not get to see the best of Danny which is unfortunate and the reasons for that are well documented in forcing his retirement on medical grounds but I would personally like to say thank you.

“I am sure the club would like to as well, I am sure Bradford fans and Rugby League fans in general will wish Danny well and hope he has an illustrious future in front of him.”