Girdler to retire at the end of the season

[choc_soldier]

END OF THE ROAD

By DEAN RITCHIE

April 2, 2004

PENRITH superstar Ryan Girdler revealed on the eve of the Panthers' biggest match of the season he is ready to quit rugby league at the end of the year.

The dramatic news came on the same day the club outlaid more than $1 million to re-sign three grand final stars – Joel Clinton, Joe Galuvao and Luke Swain.

Girdler, 31, told The Daily Telegraph last night: "Unless something drastic happens I'll hang 'em up at the end of this year – it's a young man's game."

A veteran of five Tests, eight State of Origin games and 215 first grade matches, Girdler said sternum and calf injuries last season, along with pleurisy this year, have pushed him toward retirement.

Girdler, who will play in tonight's grand final rematch against the Sydney Roosters at Telstra Stadium, had planned not to make his decision known until after a meeting with Penrith chief executive Shane Richardson next week.

But he said last night: "It probably will be my last year . . . I just haven't made it official yet.

"I want to speak with Shane Richardson first but [retirement] isn't something I am shying away from.

"Injuries have knocked me around a bit and maybe the signs are there."

Girdler, who previously played for Illawarra, may consider a final season in France.

Penrith yesterday received a massive boost leading into tonight's game by re-signing the grand final winning trio.

Galuvao and Swain will stay until the end of 2006, with Clinton remaining a Panther until the end of the 2007 season.

"Penrith have shown faith in me and I am very pleased to be staying," Galuvao said yesterday.

I must say that if happens, it was inevitable.

But Girds has been an absolute legend in the 10 odd years he's been at the Panthers.

If it ends up being true, it will give the boys a great incentive to send him and Bangers out a winner...

 

[Caged Panther]

Though not surprising it is never the less sadning to here of girds decision to retire at the end of this season. His a great player, a great character, and a great ambassador for the panthers in particular and the game in general.

The story about girds that I always remember is about how just after Royce Simmons had taken over as head coach girds was dissilusioned with the game, partly due to a long lay off with a knee reconstruction if memory serves me. He wanted to go back to illawarra and back to playing with his mates in the parks. Simmons of course said no and the rest is history. Maybe a good lesson for the dissilusioned stars of today.

 

[*Sandy*]

I hadn't read the article and the way everyone has been messaging me this morning I took it that the info was official! :?

I will have to take back everything i said in the other topic on the 3 being re-signed then. I might not have to hand out the tins for Priddo! ;-)

I hope Ryan got to see Richo first before Richo read this mornings paper! :shock:

CP...I remember that too about Girds...he had a shocker...i think it was 94. But a few years later he was the games best goal kicker and then became one of the best centres in the game. Not many footballers can achieve the rewards he has gotten out of football to date...he is one of the rare few and belongs to that elite group of champions that will most likely stay a household name for quite awhile.

Go get'em Girds!

 

[Tupac Shakur]

I'm not suprised at all about this decision. He has had horrid injuries over the past few years and just when he got back into the swing of things by winning his first premiership and being selected on the end of season Kangaroo tour he was hit by 2 more injuries, one on the tour an ankle or leg injury of some sort, then in the off season he got Pleurisy.
The decision isnt official yet but is almost certain to be sometime soon. He said he is going to have a talk to Richo about it.

 

[ozzie]

yeah a great player at his best - but injuries always take a toll...he will no doubt be missed by your club.

 

[Big Mick]

I dunno, He was great and still is, but I think the money that will be left by his departure will be very handy.

 

[Tupac Shakur]

Yeah both his and Martin Langs money will benefit us. But definately they will be a loss but they cant keep playing forever.

 

[PanthersChik]

Would be sad to see Girds go, but I guess it has to happen one day.

 

[rock_on_knights]

yeah hes a great player.......but its gotta come someday just lyk us and andrew johns...

tho i rekon girds should stay as the host of their house...he was hilariuos in that!!

 

[Fibroman]

I find it difficult to believe that Clinton, Galuvao and Swain would have cost over $ 1 million between them. That figure must represent more than one season.

 

[*Sandy*]

It does...Galuvao and Swain for 2 years and Clinton for 3 years.