Leeds Rhinos Captain Set For End Of Season Departure

Leeds Rhinos star Captain, Danny McGuire, is set to resign from the first-team at the end of the 2017 Rugby League season after 15 years playing with the club.

The 34-year-old half-back for England and Great Britain holds the record for the leading try scorer in Super League history with 262, and is currently ranked fourth on Leeds’ all-time list. Since making his professional debut with the team in 2001, McGuire has taken the Rhinos to three World Cup Challenge titles, two Challenge Cup wins and seven Super League Grand Final wins. After announcing his departure last week, McGuire told reporters that he would not be retiring from the sport and aims to remain playing in Super League:

“I’ve got a good idea of what I want to do and where I will be but nothing has been finalised…my body feels really good, I feel like I’m still playing well. You’re a long time retired, so I will play on next year.”

On Leeds Rhinos’ website, head coach Brian McDermott had nothing but positive things to say about the Captain, praising not only his achievements on the pitch, but also the “impressive” way in which he “adapted and evolved his game to suit both his teammates and the game in general”.

It’s still unclear where McGuire will be moving to next season, but Hull Kingston Rovers coach Tim Sheens has confirmed that they have had “some discussions” with the top player, although Sheens commented that “it’s a long, long way away from being decided which way he’s going to go.”

The Rhinos, who narrowly beat defending champions Hull F.C 10-7 in a semi-finals match on 14th July, have placed second in the Super League, aided by winger Ryan Hall. The Lance Todd trophy winner scored his 250th career try at Headingley, snatching a come-from-behind victory in the second half of the game. Leeds Rhinos are now unbeaten in eight matches between the two teams and will start the Super 8s on a remarkable return to form. The team will next face Castleford Tigers in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup on 29th July.

The Tigers, who are number one in the Super League, were not without their own player-related drama during their 38-14 semi-final win over Salford Devils on Friday. Leading try-scorer Greg Eden scored twice during the match but suffered a severe shoulder injury. After completing his 33rd and 34th tries of the season, Eden injured his shoulder by landing badly in an attempt to dive into the corner during his second score.

He was taken to the hospital, leaving coach Daryl Powell fearing a debilitating injury: “I’m really disappointed for Greg Eden. He’ll probably be out for the year with that, which is a massive blow. He’s been going awesome for us.” Eden had scored 14 more tries than any other Super League player this season, and his temporary exit from the team is a further blow to Castleford. Despite leading the scoreboard, the Tigers are already playing without two of their most influential players Adam Milner and Jake Webster, who have suffered ankle and rib injuries this season.

Elsewhere in the Super League Warrington Wolves defeated Wigan Warriors 16-10, keeping alive their hopes of finishing in the top 8 this season; and Wakefield Trinity have moved up to fourth place following a 36-8 win over Widnes Vikings.