Matt Prior says the Super League Grand Final was the ideal way to bring down the curtain on his playing career after the Leeds Rhinos prop confirmed his retirement with immediate effect. The 35-year-old will head home after three seasons with Leeds, during which time he played on 63 occasions.
Prior's retirement gives Leeds extra opportunity to bolster their squad elsewhere should they wish - with his decision to finish playing also freeing up a spot on the Rhinos' overseas quota, too. The Australian said that he felt the time was right to hang up his boots.
“It’s a decision I haven’t taken lightly but to finish with the Rhinos in a Grand Final seems like a fitting way to bring my career to a close," he said. “I’ve been fortunate to play for so long in the NRL and Super League without too many injuries and I can look back with so many good memories.
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“My last three years in Leeds with the Rhinos have been especially good for me and my family. I would like to thank all the players, staff and fans for their welcome and support."
Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington admitted Prior's retirement does give the club scope to move in the transfer market should they wish to do so.
He said: “Matt will retire with everyone’s best wishes having served the team and club so well over the past three seasons. His retirement will now provide an opportunity to recruit another senior player to the squad, if need be.”
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