PRIDE STAR RETIRES
RYAN Ghietti has played his last game of rugby league.
The Northern Pride skipper announced his retirement and will finish as the club’s most capped player, having represented the Far North side 169 times.
In total, the 29-year-old played 174 Intrust Super Cup matches.
“It was a hard decision but it was the right decision,” Ghietti said yesterday.
“I haven’t stopped thinking about it for the last four to five weeks. Over the weekend I talked to a few people and came up with a decision. After the way we finished the year I was tempted to go on, but I knew it wouldn’t be for the right reason.”
The skipper said after playing with an injured shoulder this season, he didn’t want to do the same again in 2019.
Ghietti said being a part of the Pride’s 2014 premiership side, which also went on to win the NRL State Championship, was his career highlight.
“That and playing for Italy,” he said. “Winning those two finals in 2014 were massive and meant a lot to me and the club.
“This club has had some great sponsors and supporters and the best way to thank them is to win games of footy.”
Ghietti said he wouldn’t be tempted to return to club level in the CDRL.
“If I’m not playing for the Pride I won’t be playing,” the Innisfail product said.
Northern Pride coach Ty Williams said the veteran playmaker would be missed.
“He’s been a great player and a great leader for this club,” Williams said.
The coach would not be drawn into speculation as to who would captain the side, Ghietti suggested it could be Tom Hancock.
“Tom would be the first cab off the rank, I think,” he said.
“He’s a genuine leader and understands the game.”
Ghietti said he still remembered the time former Pride coach Joe O’Callaghan rang him to tell him the news.
“He said if you play next year you’ll be skipper. It was a really big deal for me.”