Anthony Thackeray to bring curtain down on career at end of season

Josh McAllister
Anthony Thackeray

Sheffield Eagles' Anthony Thackeray celebrates at the end of the 1895 Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

Sheffield half-back Anthony Thackeray has confirmed that he will be hanging up the boots at the end of the 2022 Championship campaign.

Thackeray began his career Hull, and has gone on to feature for Castleford, Widnes, Halifax, Dewsbury and Featherstone.

Sheffield fought off competition to land the experienced half-back ahead of the 2019 season. He would go on to feature in their 1895 Cup victory over Widnes at Wembley in 2019. The Eagles won 36-18 in the cup’s inaugural year, with Thackeray crossing for a try.

The 35-year-old has confirmed 2022 will be his last, aiming to finish his career on a high and enjoy his final season in the sport. 

Anthony Thackeray to call time on career at end of 2022

“I just really want to enjoy myself this year. It will be my last year,” Thackeray said.

“In the last two years, due to Covid and whatnot, and I had a couple of injuries, I really didn’t enjoy myself. 

“Firstly I just want to go out there as a last hurrah I suppose and play well each week, but really enjoy myself.

“I was close to it last year. And to be honest, if we’d have gone OK and I’d have had a good year, I probably would have called it. 

“I’ve still got the desire and stuff there. But I’m getting to that point now where it’s probably time to call it and move on to pastures news.

“I’ve got a young family and run my own business, mortgage and protection and stuff. I’ve done that for a number of years now. The wife will kill me, but I’ll probably sling all my time at that!”

More from Eagles: Mark Aston praises senior arrivals

Sheffield sign deal at new ground

Sheffield have agreed a five-year agreement to play their home games at the new Community Stadium at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

The club is hoping to play its first home game at the re-developed venue on Friday April 10.

It is sited where the former Don Valley Stadium was located, which was home to the Eagles until 2013.

READ MORE: Sheffield Eagles share new Olympic Legacy Park pictures