Super League signing breaks down in tears after ’emotional’ final NRL game

Catalans Dragons-bound forward Elliott Whitehead broke down in tears after he captained Canberra Raiders to a home win over Penrith Panthers, the last game the Englishman will play in front of his home fans before his return to Super League.

Whitehead was one of the high-profile off-contract NRL stars and it was confirmed earlier in the year that he would be making a Super League return, linking up with Catalans Dragons once again in 2025.

The forward retired from International Rugby League at the end of 2023 after featuring in the Test series against Tonga and there had been questions if he would call time on the sport at club level as well.

However, he allayed those concerns when signing on a one-year deal with former club Catalans Dragons and today, after his final home game as a Raider, he offered up an emotional post-match speech.

After confirming his move to Catalans, Whitehead had penned a letter to the fans but today’s post-game address was raw and from the heart, particularly given the fact the Raiders had just landed one of the biggest upsets of the season.

Incoming Super League star in tears after final hooter

Canberra had beaten three-time consecutive NRL champions Penrith Panthers 22-18 to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and when Whitehead spoke to Fox League after the match, he was in tears.

Whitehead explained: “I’m getting emotional. It means a lot to me this club, I’ve been here nine years but I didn’t think I’d get emotional on TV.

“After two years I didn’t think I’d stay here for nine years but I love everyone in this club, even the teammates that have left like Jack (Wighton). I’ve got some great memories and great friends from this club and they’ll be a big part of my life from now on.”

Whitehead made the switch to the NRL ahead of the 2016 season and established himself as one of Canberra’s best-ever Super League imports, going on to make 204 appearances for the Green Machine.

During that time he scored 43 tries and appeared in 20 or more games in every single season apart from this final one which has been hampered by injury. He was handed the captaincy in the 2021 season but will now return to Super League after almost a decade out of the competition.