Luke ODonnell announces his retirement
Thursday 12 December 2013 12:20 PM
Sydney Roosters prop Luke ODonnell has today announced his retirement from rugby league, closing the curtain on a career that has spanned more than 14 years with success at club and representative level.
33 year-old ODonnell made his return to the NRL with the Roosters this year following a two-year stint in the English Super League and quickly established himself as an integral member of the Clubs forwards.
The former Balmain Tigers, Wests Tigers, North Queensland Cowboys, Huddersfield Giants and Roosters representative played a total of 215 first grade matches, with 188 of those in the NRL. His final game was as a member of the Roosters 2013 Premiership-winning side in this years Grand Final.
Ive had some time to reflect and think about my future since the Grand Final, and this definitely hasnt been an easy decision, but its the right one, said ODonnell.
Im so grateful for everything Rugby League has given me. Each of the clubs Ive played at have made me a better man and Ive made so many friends along the way.
"To each and every one of my teammates and opponents from over the years I thank you. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has been involved in my Rugby League career.
Most importantly, I would like to thank my family. My parents for their years of sacrifice to help me realise my dreams, and especially my wife Tania and our two girls for their unwavering love and support. I am definitely going to enjoy spending more time with my family.
Ive had a great career. I count myself incredibly lucky to have represented my State and my Country and it was a dream come true to return to the NRL with a proud Club like the Roosters, and to cap the year off with a Premiership.
I quickly found a home at the Roosters, and Id like to thank everyone at the Club especially Robbo and the playing group for making me and my family feel so at home, and for one of the most memorable years in my footy career.
While I look forward to the next stage that awaits, the Roosters will always hold a special place in my heart Ive made so many great friends at the Club and Ill always be grateful to Trent for giving me the opportunity.
Sydney Roosters Chairman, Mr Nick Politis, congratulated Luke for his contribution to Rugby League since making his debut with the Balmain Tigers in 1999.
After ironically making his first grade debut against the Roosters, Luke has represented at the games highest level, and he certainly played a significant role at the Roosters in 2013.
Luke will always be highly-regarded by everyone involved at the Roosters for helping deliver another Premiership to the Club. He has been the consummate professional and we thank him for his contribution to not only our proud Club, but the game of Rugby League.
Sydney Roosters Head Coach, Trent Robinson, praised Luke for his leadership on and off the field.
Popular with his team mates, staff and supporters, Luke did a fantastic job in buying into our goals at the start of the season. He had an overwhelming impact both on and off the field in mentoring our younger forwards in such a short time with the Club, and Id especially like to thank him for that.
On behalf of everyone associated with the Club, we thank Luke and wish him and his young family all the very best for the future, said Robinson.
ODonnell played 20 games with the Sydney Roosters in 2013 after joining the club in mid-February upon his return from English Super League side Huddersfield Giants (27 games, 2011-12). He made his debut with the Balmain Tigers in 1999 (3 games) and spent four seasons with the merged Wests Tigers (48 games, 2000-2003) before joining the North Queensland Cowboys (117 games, 2004-2010).
In the representative arena, ODonnell played five matches for NSW (2006-2010) and 11 matches for Australia between 2005-2006.
