Leigh Leopards have confirmed the retirement of playmaker Matt Moylan, something that comes weeks after rumours emerged.
Talk of Moylan’s retirement first emerged in reports down under just ahead of the Leopards’ play-off clash with Salford Red Devils, a game that Moylan would play in as Leigh progressed.
Head coach Adrian Lam was asked about the reports in the post-match, explaining: “There’s not been much conversation about it. I’m always checking in with all the players and Matt is enjoying his rugby at the moment and if he plays like that every week we don’t want him to go anywhere.
“That’s sort of out of our control at the moment, out of my control.”
Just last week, Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont stated his belief that Moylan would retire when appearing on the Super League Raw YouTube channel.
Beaumont said: “My personal thoughts are that I think Matt is going to retire but I don’t know that.
“As with any contract, if a player decides that they don’t want to do it then it’s pointless trying to force them to play.
“At the moment, he’s definitely a Leigh Leopards player but I think in my heart of hearts, that won’t be the case.”
Leigh Leopards star Matt Moylan retires
Credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
It has now been confirmed by the club that the Australian has retired with Leigh Leoaprds releasing a statement announcing the news.
That statement read: “Leigh Leopards wishes to announce that Matt Moylan has decided to retire from professional Rugby League.
“Matt, 33, has been an integral part of the Leopards team in 2024, his first season in the UK, and will be remembered for his exceptional talent, commitment, and sportsmanship during his time with the club.”
On the decision, Moylan said: “It’s been a really difficult decision to call time on my career, but I’ve got to listen to my body and say enough is enough. I’ve had a great year at Leigh. I’m extremely grateful to the fans for the song they have sung me this year, their support has been fantastic.
“It has been an honour to be part of a team that has reached the highest position in Super League that this club has been.
“The team is in a great place and I will enjoy watching them in my retirement.”
Director of Rugby, Chris Chester, was among those to wish him well, stating: “Being able to bring a player of Matt’s quality to Leigh shows just how far we’ve come since our time in the Championship.
“He’s come in and made a massive impact on the team, both on and off the field. While we had hoped to get another year out of him here, we respect his decision and wish him the best in his retirement.”
