Leeds Rhinos academy product calls time on his spell at Newcastle Thunder

Newcastle Thunder Loose Forward Sam Hallas has called time on his Newcastle Thunder career in order to pursue opportunities away from the game.

The Leeds Rhinos academy product joined from Bradford Bulls on a two-year deal at the start of 2022 and started in all but one of the club’s games this season.

In his appearances for the club Hallas has showed himself to be the player envisioned, with an uncompromising style of play and friendly personality endearing him to coaches, team-mates and fans.

He was at his ebullient self during his last appearance in Thunder colours, as his hard carrying and tenacious defence earned him the player of the match award against Widnes Vikings.

Retaining his Yorkshire base after making the switch to Kingston Park Stadium, an opportunity closer to home away from the game has seen him make the decision to step away from full-time rugby league. A decision the player explains was ultimately, a hard call to make.

Hallas said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Newcastle, it is a great club and a great bunch of lads who I have the ultimate respect for.

“Leaving is not a decision that I’ve taken lightly, but the opportunity I have back down home is one that I have to take for me and my family and it isn’t one that I can combine with full-time rugby league.

‘I’ll always be a fan of the Thunder and the project that’s happening up here. To have a complete team performance in my final appearance was the ideal finish for me and I wish all coaches, players and backroom staff every success in the future”

Head coach Eamon O’Carroll said: “Sam has been a great player for us both on and off the field and I’d like to thank him for everything he has done since joining us back in the autumn.

“He is a good person and has contributed massively to the group. While we’re naturally disappointed that we won’t be able to call on him going forward, we understand his decision and support him in making it.

“He leaves us with nothing but our very best wishes for the future for both him and his partner Lucy.”