Halifax forward Paul Brearley announces retirement
Halifax forward Paul Brearley has hung up his boots so he can focus on commitments away from the game.
The 6ft 7in back-rower joined the Panthers from Batley ahead of the 2020 campaign. Brearley had agreed to join Toronto Wolfpack for 2021 but their failed bid to gain re-admission into Super League saw him sign on with part-time side Halifax again for this season.
Brearley made three appearances for Halifax at the start of this season but he has now decided to call time on his rugby league career to focus on his work commitments away from rugby league.
He said: “It was a very tough decision, but my business had grown through the lockdown and time away from rugby last year.
“It had got to the point where I couldn’t commit to the level I needed to be at to give my best for Halifax. I wish everyone all the best for the rest of the season and the future.
“The club was great with me and Grixy (Simon Grix) was too when I made the decision yesterday and spoke to him. I’ll be supporting the boys for the rest of the year and I’m sure they can kick on from a great win on Sunday.”
Halifax coach Simon Grix said: “It’s not great news at all for us. Paul is a great bloke and a very good player.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t seen the best of him but wish him all the best. As I am sure he will inform when he gets his opportunity, work commitments have increased significantly and with that the attention he can’t commit to the level the team deserves.
“He has acted admirably really, I suppose he could have stayed and picked up his money knowing he wasn’t all in. Instead, he has made a tough call for the right reasons.
“We wish him all the best for the future and hope he gets his boots back out when he has got on top of his work commitments.”
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