Leeds Rhinos captain Danny McGuire announces his 15-year spell at the club will finish at the end of the season
Rugby League giants to lose iconic England and Great Britain star as he remains tight-lipped on his next move
LEEDS RHINOS captain Danny McGuire has announced he is leaving the Rugby League giants at the end of the season after 15 years with the club.
The 34-year-old Great Britain and England half-back’s 233 tries make him the leading try scorer in Super League history.
That figure also makes him fourth on Leeds’ all-time list.
News of his departure has already led to speculation that he could be swapping Headingley for rivals Hull KR.
But the star is remaining tight-lipped on his future.
He told : “I am in no rush to make definite plans about next season and beyond.
“We are second in the league and in the Challenge Cup semi-final and that is where my attention is focused now.”
McGuire made his debut way back in 2002 and has gone on to score 262 tries in 400 appearances in all competitions.
During that time he has helped the Rhinos to seven Super League Grand Final triumphs, a trio of World Cup Challenge titles and double Challenge Cup success.
The veteran is still a regular in the squad but his exit comes on the back of a new three-year contract for Jordan Lilley, 20, and the signing of Catalans Dragons’ Richie Myler.
McGuire added: “When I was a youngster coming through the academy, I got my opportunity because a senior player moved on.
“Now is the right time for me and the club to give our talented young players their opportunity.
“I am pleased to have made the decision now so I can focus on the remainder of this season and finishing my time at the Rhinos in the best possible way.”
Rhinos boss Brian McDermott paid tribute to the club hero following his announcement.
He said: “In the decades to come, Danny McGuire’s achievements will only become more impressive.
“As well as all the silverware and match-winning plays he has come up with, perhaps the most impressive thing about Danny is the way he has adapted and evolved his game to suit both his team-mates and the game in general.
“I am sure he will take that adaptability with him into whatever he decides to do next and will be a champion as always at whatever that is.”
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