Leeds prop Matt Prior announces his retirement with immediate effect
Leeds prop Matt Prior has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league at the age of 35.
The former State of Origin representative will retire with immediate effect. His final competitive game for the Rhinos was in their Super League Grand Final defeat to St Helens in September.
Prior has made more than 250 in the NRL and represented New South Wales in 2018. He won two NRL Premierships before clinching the Challenge Cup with the Rhinos in 2020.
“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,” Prior said.
“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 made 63 appearances for Leeds in his three seasons at Headingley.
“Matt will retire with everyone’s best wishes having served the team and club so well over the past three seasons,” Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said.
“His retirement will now provide an opportunity to recruit another senior player to the squad, if need be.”
More on Matt Prior
Prior was born in Wollongong. He played his junior rugby at Thirroul Butchers before signing for his hometown club St George Illawarra Steelers in 2006.
The Australian made his NRL debut in 2008 and won his first NRL Premiership with the Dragons under Wayne Bennett in 2010. He won the World Club Challenge the following year as they beat Wigan at the DW Stadium.
Prior won his second NRL Premiership in 2016 with Cronulla Sharks. He made the move to Super League with Leeds in 2020.
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