Leeds Rhinos prop Matt Prior has announced his retirement at the age of 35.
The former New South Wales State of Origin forward was contracted to play on at Headingley in 2023 and had said he would call it a day at the end of next season. But the club has today announced the two-time NRL Grand Final winning forward has finished immediately, with his last game proving to be Leeds' Super League Grand Final loss to St Helens at OId Trafford.
Australian Prior said: "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. 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. 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."
Prior played more than 250 NRL games and won the title with St George Illawarra (2010) and Cronulla Sharks (2016) as well as the Challenge Cup with Leeds in 2020. Rhinos now have a free overseas quota spot and have previously been linked to a number of players, including Leigh's Papua New Guinea centre Nene Macdonald who played alongside Prior at St George. Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington added: “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.”
