Crabtree retires
Huddersfield Giants prop-forward Eorl Crabtree has called time on his playing career.
The 34-year old played 423 games for the Giants, scoring 79 tries as well as representing England on 18 occasions.
He will take on an ambassadorial role within the commercial and marketing functions of the club.
Crabtree saidL “It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve my hometown club throughout my entire professional playing career, my contribution to club and country being recognised by an RFL year-long Testimonial.
“My head and body are telling me it is time to hang up the boots while still a regular Super League first teamer.
“So, having performed for the Giants on the field for nearly two decades, I am gearing up to bring them results in an off-field role in sales and marketing, being delighted to accept the invitation to continue working for my native club who have been so much a part of my adult life.
“While retirement from playing is a major landmark, the bonus is that I can have my nose put back to its original position!”
Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis said: “Eorl has been an outstanding player for this club and no one should be in any doubt that he ranks amongst the finest professional sportsmen to ever to come from Huddersfield.
“His playing record in the toughest sporting league, in physically the toughest position to me marks him out as someone very special.
“I would hope that in years to come he will become the first of the modern Super League Giants to be considered for our prestigious Hall of Fame. He was the mainstay and cornerstone of our pack for years and without doubt a talisman for the supporters to get behind.
“His role changed over the years as the game developed and different coaches had different ideas on how to best utilise his talents but what never waned was his absolute love and pride in the Giants badge and brand.
“I am sure that many coaches and players over the coming days will make their own tribute to the big man and I am personally delighted that he remains at the club within our marketing and commercial functions as it’s an opportunity that he fully deserves.
“It’s a career path he wants to go down and if he can do as well off the field as he did on then we have a fabulous asset to assist the growth all our income streams.”