Morley leaving Leeds role

Former Leeds and Great Britain forward Adrian Morley will leave his role on the Rhinos coaching staff at the end of his contract.

Morley, 40, has been working with the club’s youth development team and first team squad, but will leave to take up a career opportunity in construction recruitment.

He said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Gary Hetherington and Brian McDermott for giving me the opportunity to return to the Rhinos and gain experience from the great coaching staff we have in place at the club. 

“This opportunity has emerged to be part of a new company and it is something I am keen to be part of moving forward.”

Morley retired from playing in 2015 following a glittering career in which he became the to date only British player to have won a Super League and NRL Grand Final.

He spent 2016 in the back-room staff at hometown team Salford, before returning to Headingley, where he made 149 appearances during his career.

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington added: “We understand that this is a fantastic opportunity for Adrian and a chance to take advantage of a new career pathway. 

“For all players, the challenge of life after their playing days is always a big question mark. Adrian deserves credit for how he has tested himself, just as he did during his field on the career, over the past few years and I am sure this new challenge will see him apply the same level of determination and tenacity that we witnessed throughout his career.”