“Rob has given a lot to this club” – Leeds coach pays tribute to the departing Rob Lui
Rob Lui could make his first appearance of the season on Thursday
Leeds coach Richard Agar has paid tribute to experienced half-back Rob Lui, who will leave the club at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old, who is recovering from a quad tear sustained in pre-season training, has confirmed he will return to Australia at the end of the season and Agar says the club have already started to prepare for his departure.
Agar said: “Rob is coming to the end of his career and at the start of the year he talked about this being his final year.
“After he got injured we had further talks about whether he had the desire to rehabilitate himself and the answer was a resounding yes. He wants to go out on his terms and we’re more than happy with that.
“It’s something we’ve been able to prepare for, we’re planning accordingly.”
Lui joined the Rhinos on loan from Salford at a time of crisis midway through the 2019 season, later signing a two-year contract, and helped stave off the threat of relegation.
Agar said: “Rob has given a lot to this club. We were in a really difficult spot when we signed him.
“I think relegation was a distinct possibility for that team, the way it was playing at that particular time.
“He’s been great for us, not only for what he gave us on the field but, as a senior player, he was really good with the young boys with his positive nature every day.
“We got back in the play-offs and won a Challenge Cup which was the first trophy of Rob’s career so that was a really special moment for him.
“I’m very appreciative that I got to work with Rob, who has been terrific for our club.”
Meanwhile, Super League and Sky Sports have announced that Friday’s game against Wakefield will be made available free of charge on the broadcasters’ YouTube channel.
Subscribe to The Final Hooter on Apple Podcasts and get involved with the free-to-play Fantasy Rugby League 2021.
Rugby League Nostalgia is here! Get involved with Love Rugby League’s new group on Facebook to share all your rugby league nostalgia and celebrate the rich heritage of our sport.