Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington has explained the club’s decision to re-sign club legend Ryan Hall.
The England winger will return to Headingley for the 2025 Super League season after stints with Sydney Roosters and Hull KR, helping the Robins become one of Super League’s top sides over recent seasons.
Hall, who will turn 37 later this year, will take up a role in the Rhinos commercial department upon retiring when the 2025 campaign concludes.
The decision to bring Hall back to the club on a playing basis for next season has created some debate among Leeds fans, with many pleased about the news but some concerned by the veteran’s ageing years.
Hetherington defends Hall’s return
Hall’s return has called into question again Leeds Rhinos’ recruitment process, but after Hall defended his return by calling it ‘no fairy tale’ as he promised he ‘still has plenty of rugby in him’, Hetherington doubled down on those sentiments.
“Ryan is passionate about Leeds Rhinos and it was an easy decision to bring him back home to AMT Headingley,” said Hetherington.
“He wants to finish his career as a Rhino and he will have a positive impact on our whole group.
“He is an extremely driven individual who I know will want to finish his career on the best possible note next season, once that has happened he will be a fantastic addition to our off-field team as one of the most recognisable personalities in the club’s recent history.”
‘Model professional’ Ryan Hall back at Leeds Rhinos
Since Hall left six seasons ago, the Rhinos have won just won trophy. It’s a poor return for a club built for success and built to challenge for silverware every season.
Instead, a period of mid-table mediocrity has much of the Leeds fanbase disillusioned with the direction of the club, however, Hall’s return could be the start of improving fortunes at Headingley.
Culture is a word brandished around a lot in rugby league. It’s a trait within a dressing room that is often the difference between winning and losing, and Hall comes from a culture of winning, especially during his previous stint with the Rhinos.
Hall was at the forefront of that with his professionalism, something current Leeds head coach Rohan Smith recognises can help the current group of young talent at Headingley.
“Ryan is a model professional who has continued to perform at the highest level for many years. He is highly respected by his team mates and I think he will be a great addition to our group, especially with the large number of players emerging from our academy in the coming years,” said Smith.
“He will be one of our leaders within the group and I am sure the mentoring he will offer our younger players will be invaluable given everything he has achieved in the game and importantly here at the Rhinos. I am looking forward to working with him next season.”
