Hindmarsh Announces Retirement
Doug MacDougall
Eels Media
Thursday 29 March 2012 2:24 PM
CLICK HERE TO VIEW NATHAN'S RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Arguably the greatest player to have pulled on a Blue and Gold jersey, Pirtek Parramatta Eels captain Nathan Hindmarsh has this afternoon announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2012 season.
Hindmarsh, 32, released a video recording tonight with all the laid-back and self-deprecating character that Rugby League fans have come to know and love throughout his magnificent 15-year career.
In his video, available on the Eels website parraeels.com.au and in transcript below, Hindmarsh said he had always intended to make an announcement early this year after having made the decision to retire in late 2011.
Eels Coach Stephen Kearney has been aware of his decision for some time, with the Eels coach and management giving Nathan the latitude to announce his decision at his leisure.
15 years at this legendary club. Its hard to believe, Hindmarsh said in his video.
I made the decision late last year and informed the coach and people close to me that 2012 was going to be my last season.
I know there has been a lot of speculation about my career of late and I thank the coach and club for giving me the time I needed to make this decision public.
I was always going to announce it early on in the season, and ideally I would have liked to have done it coming off four wins. But thats footy isnt it.
Thats why Im announcing my retirement now. I love this club its been my life since I was 16. Ive made lifelong friends, met my wife and watched my kids faces light up when I tell them they can come to work with dad.
Im hoping that by announcing this, it will take some pressure off my coach, my team mates and the club, so we can get back to focusing on what really matters
winning games.
I will retire as a one club player which I am very proud of. Im going to finish my career the same way I started - utterly and deeply exhausted - knowing I have tried my best and left it all on the field.
Eels head coach Stephen Kearney paid tribute to Hindmarshs impact on the game over the past 15 years.
Hes a guy who pretty much redefined how much work one human being can get through out there on the paddock.
I dont know how many times Ive seen replays of him chasing down wingers and fullbacks, making that last ditch effort thats the difference between winning and losing matches.
Hes all about heart and thats why hes so respected by everyone who plays the game, as well as loved and admired by those who watch it.
Hes always put the team and this Club first and they are huge shoes to fill.
Its been a tough start to the season for us but the lads are focused on improving from here, and making sure Nathan finishes his playing career on a high note.
Eels Chief Executive Officer Bob Bentley said:
Words probably cant describe what Nathan means to this Club and our supporters.
When people think of the Eels, they think Nathan Hindmarsh.
Hes given his heart and soul to this Club on and off the field for his entire career and built his success on sheer hard work and dedication.
Obviously it would have been terrific for Nathan to have had the chance to announce his retirement after a better start to the season for us, but were confident the team can turn this around and make it a season to remember.
Were already preparing for one hell of a send-off at the end of the year.
Nathan is quite simply a living treasure of this rugby league club and we will be doing everything we can to give him the send-off he deserves.
FULL TRANSCRIPT NATHAN HINDMARSH RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Gday guys, I think you all know whats coming in this speech, so let me just say it straight - I won Powerball last week and I wont be back next year
No, no, thats not right!
What I want you all to know is that Ill be retiring at the end of this season
2012 will be my last hooray.
S**t, 15 years at this legendary club. Its hard to believe.
I made the decision late last year and informed the coach and people close to me that 2012 was going to be my last season.
I know there has been al lot of speculation about my career of late and I thank the coach and club for giving me the time I needed to make this decision public.
I was always going to announce it early on in the season, and ideally I would have liked to have done it coming off four wins. But thats footy isnt it.
Thats why Im announcing my retirement now. I love this club its been my life since I was 16. Ive made lifelong friends, met my wife and watched my kids faces light up when I tell them they can come to work with dad.
Im hoping that by announcing this, it will take some pressure off my coach, my team mates and the club so we can get back to focusing on what really matters
winning games.
Announcing the end of my career is a bloody weird thing because life doesnt stop. Rugby league doesnt stop and the kids and Bon certainly wont stop needing me. In some ways I think Im announcing the end of the best years of my life. But really Im just beginning a new chapter. I cant wait to sit up in the stands with beer in my hand and my 3 boys sitting next to me.
I have some things in the pipe line for 2013 definitely involving kids, footy and the media. Lets face it, Im very important, I have many leather bound books. And my apartment smells of rich mahogany.
Rugby league is a roller coaster and I think the people who ride with you most are the fans. They are there for the ups the downs, the good times and the bad, and I cant tell you how much I appreciate all your support. I love coming to a game and seeing all those familiar faces. You are the backbone of rugby league, keep turning up.
There are so many people who have been an integral part of my career but I will thank you all at a later date.
I will retire as a one club player which I am very proud of. Im going to finish my career the same way I started - utterly and deeply exhausted - knowing I have tried my best and left it all on the field.
See you all at the game on Saturday
cant wait!
http://www.parraeels.com.au/news-display/Hindmarsh-Announces-Retirement/49868
