Rhinos confirm McGuire departure at end of season

Danny McGuire will leave Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season, the club has confirmed today.

McGuire was contracted to the Rhinos until the end of 2018 but he has informed the club that this season will be his last.

The half-back has won every trophy in the game while playing for the Rhinos and he is sure to get a brilliant sendoff.

Leeds have a chance to complete a brilliant haul of trophies this year with the Super League Grand Final and Challenge Cup all up for grabs.

A perfect farewell for McGuire would be to win silverware in his final year with the club, and also quite fitting after his superb career at Headingley.

With 412 appearances to his name, 262 tries and 1,041 points, McGuire will go down in Leeds history as being part of a golden generation of players which starred current Rhino Rob Burrow and the now retired duo of Kevin Sinfield and Jamie Peacock.

“I am pleased to have made the decision now so I can focus on the remainder of this season and finishing my time at the Rhinos in the best possible way,” McGuire told the Leeds Rhinos website.

“I have been honoured to play alongside some of the greatest players in our game’s history and I remember seeing how special it was for Danny Buderus, Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai to finish their time as Rhino at the very top and that is my aim now.

“When I was a youngster coming through the academy, I got my opportunity because a senior player moved on and now is the right time for me and the club to give our talented, young players their opportunity.

“I have been at my club since I was 12 and spent my entire adult life so far here; it is all I have ever known.

“But there are exciting challenges ahead and I know that the door is always open for me here at Headingley.

“I would like to thank Gary Hetherington and Brian McDermott for giving me the opportunity to decide my next action.

“I will take time now to look at my options moving forward. I am in no rush to make definite plans about next season and beyond.

“I am not ready to say my goodbyes just yet, we are currently second in the league and in the Challenge Cup semi-final and that is where my attention is focused now.”