Galloway concedes defeat in bid to make comeback

FEW could argue with luckless Leeds Rhinos prop Keith Galloway’s decision to call time on his professional career.

The ex-Australia front-row has left the Super League champions with immediate effect but is expected to eventually resume playing with little-known Sydney club Oakdale Workers.

Galloway, 32, is recovering from a second ruptured Achilles tendon in as many years and, with his contract due to expire this season, had already spoken about this potentially being his last year in the game.

Although he is set to return to action next month, the player – who has been rehabilitating in Australia and was at Rhinos’ World Club Challenge defeat in Melbourne recently – has now been released for family reasons.

He joined Leeds from NRL club Wests Tigers in 2016 and enjoyed a fine debut campaign before suffering his first Achilles tendon rupture in the penultimate game of the season.

Galloway, who won five Kangaroos caps in 2011 and one State of Origin appearance for New South Wales, battled back from that only to endure another season-ending Achilles injury last July, missing out on Rhinos’ Grand Final glory.

“It has been a tough decision but I know it is the right one for me and my family,” he said.

“Despite my two major injuries at the Rhinos, I have loved being part of this fantastic club.

“I have made friendships that will last forever and I have enjoyed living in Leeds.

“The time is right for me to move onto the next chapter of my life. I haven’t decided yet if I will play on at some level – if possible I would like to finish my time on the field on my terms – but that will not be as a fulltime professional now as I look towards a career after rugby.”

Meanwhile, chief executive Gary Hetherington admits Friday’s home game against Catalans Dragons is under threat due to the severe weather.

Tom Briscoe, Ryan Hall, Joel Moon, Carl Ablett and Anthony Mullally are all back in the 19man squad. Liam Sutcliffe (foot) and Jimmy Keinhorst (knee) out after Sunday’s loss at Widnes.

Joe Arundel, Keegan Hirst and Jordan Crowther are recalled for Wakefield’s game with Huddersfield Giants tomorrow.