Ryan Hall has hit back at those suggesting his return to Leeds Rhinos is a fairy tale, as his move back to Headingley was officially confirmed on Monday morning.
Hall will return to Leeds, the club where he made his name, for the start of the 2025 Super League season, six years after leaving his hometown side for the Sydney Roosters.
Despite turning 37 later this year, Hall has put to bed any suggestions that his return to the Rhinos is for a parade, stating that he still has plenty of rugby left in his legs.
“I am really happy that my career is going full circle and I will play my final year at the Rhinos. However, I am under no illusions,” Hall told the Leeds Rhinos website.
“People might be saying it’s a fairy tale but this is not a parade for me. I have got work to do and I still feel I have got good rugby in the legs.
“I know Leeds want to be at the top of the game and, having been at AMT Headingley for a number of games over the last 18 months, I can see the talent that is within the squad.
“It’s time to roll my sleeves up and I am coming to a job. I was fortunate to be a part of teams that gave some of my team mates incredible finales to their career and I know how much hard work that takes to achieve.”
Ryan Hall to help Leeds Rhinos youngsters
Signing an initial one-year contract for the 2025 season, Hall will take up a role at the Rhinos once he retires, but in the meantime it appears he will use all his experience to help guide a young Leeds side.
“I am looking forward to working with the young players at Leeds, as I have done at Hull KR and passing on my knowledge, not just to the wingers but anyone who wants to learn from what I have done in my career.
“Likewise, I am taking nothing for granted, I will need to earn my spot in the team every week.
“Working with people like Mikey Lewis at Hull KR and seeing him go on to play for his country has given me a real sense of satisfaction and I want to do the same thing at the Rhinos.
“The club has always prided itself on the academy programme and I want to help bring those players through, just as I was helped at the start of my career, so they get to the heights I have been to.”
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