Leeds Rhinos off-contract half-back Matt Frawley has confirmed his retirement from rugby league in an emotional statement.
Frawley, who Leeds signed ahead of the 2024 season, has been out of the picture for much of the 2025 campaign with Jake Connor usurping him as the Rhinos’ starting half.
That saw the 30-year-old Australian leave to join Huddersfield Giants on loan, who he had previously played for in 2019, but after eight games his season came to an end due to an ankle injury.
It was expected to be a long recovery for the off-contract half, however, he won’t have to do that recovery with the added pressure of securing a new deal as he has announced the shock decision to retire from the sport.
Catalans’ Reimis Smith made a similar shock announcement the other week at just 28 and now the 30-year-old Frawley has done the same, calling time on his career.
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Leeds Rhinos’ Matt Frawley confirms retirement
Taking to Instagram, Frawley announced that he would be hanging up the boots as he thanked his four former clubs and also his family for their support.
Frawley said: “There have been plenty of ups and downs along the way, but I’m grateful for it all.
“Thank you to everyone who has played a part and supported me throughout my career — especially my teammates, coaches, support staff, and fans at Canberra Raiders, Canterbury Bulldogs, Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos.
“I’ve been lucky enough to make lifelong friends and live out experiences I dreamed of as a kid.
“None of it would have been possible without the support and love from my family and friends. Especially Claire (his partner) for sacrificing so much and supporting me around the world and back.
“I’m excited to stay connected to the game and to see what’s next.”
A number of his former teammates and Leeds Rhinos teammates wished him well in his retirement including both Brodie Croft and Jarrod O’Connor.
He ends his Leeds Rhinos career with 32 appearances for the club. He also became the first Leeds number seven to wear the shirt featuring Rob Burrow’s signature within that iconic number.
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