Brett Delaney to make Leeds farewell but play on elsewhere
Brett Delaney will play for Leeds on last time in their annual Boxing Day friendly against Wakefield at Headingley, and play elsewhere in 2019.
Delaney, 32, is one of the club’s longest serving overseas players, making 213 appearances, putting him seventh in their all-time overseas list.
During his time at the club, he has appeared in 13 finals, winning three Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and the World Club Challenge.
At the club for nine years already, his association with the Rhinos will continue with a job within the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, whilst continuing his playing career as a part time player at a new club, yet to be announced.
He said: “When I left Australia, I was a 24-year-old kid and I could never of imagined that I would be privileged enough to play nine amazing seasons with a great club like Leeds.
“I would like to thank Gary Hetherington and Paul Caddick for believing in me and giving me a chance to play for the Rhinos.
“I owe a debt of thanks to Brian McDermott for everything he did for me career and likewise the great players I played alongside like Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Kylie Leuluai, Rob Burrow, Danny McGuire and of course my old mate Ryan Bailey!
“I have ran my blood to water week in and week out for the Rhinos and I wouldn’t change a thing.
“I understand the club need to move forward especially as an overseas player and hopefully this will allow them to do that and bring in fresh blood as well as giving the great young kids at this club the chance to succeed and write their own names in the club’s history. I am sure they will.
“I am looking forward to working with Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
“I am pleased that I will get to say goodbye on the field on Boxing Day and pull on the Rhinos shirt one last time, it will special and I looking forward to being back out there.”
Delaney’s last appearance for the Rhinos was in the 42-10 defeat to Castleford back in July.
Rhinos Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield added: “As a team mate, Brett Delaney was a guy you always wanted beside you in the toughest of circumstances.
“His commitment and will to win was an inspiration to those around him. He was a regular NRL player when he arrived in 2010 and the fact he has spent his entire career with us shows his loyalty to the Rhinos cause down the years.
“It is great that he will stay involved with Leeds Rhinos Foundation and he will always remain a Rhino.”