ONE TOUGH LEGEND
486 Rhinos appearances, 7 Grand Final wins, 3 World Club wins, 3 League Leaders Shields, 2 Challenge Cups..
SHORT in stature but courageous of heart, retiring Rob Burrow will go down as one of the toughest players in Super League history according to his former coach Tony Smith.
Burrow, 34, will hang up his boots at the end of the season as one of the most decorated players of the summer era, winning seven Grand Finals with the Rhinos.
He has played in 22 finals for the club, winning three World Club Challenges, three League Leaders Shields and two Challenge Cups.
But the England and Great Britain international has also been widely acclaimed for forging a hugely successful career in the sport despite standing at just 5ft 4ins.
Warrington boss Smith coached Burrow extensively at Leeds and for his country, and says his defiance of the stereotypical rugby league build adds to his achievements. Smith said: “To be the size he is and play our sport, you’ve got to be exceptional in many ways.
“Speed was one of those, but pound for pound he’s as tough as any player I’ve coached. I’ve had some big boys that haven’t been nearly as tough. He’s pint-sized but courageous with it.
“He maximised the attributes he had, worked hard and went about his business in the right manner. It shows what you can do when you put your mind and commitment into it. He’s had a remarkable career, and it was a sheer pleasure coaching him.” Burrow has made 486 appearances for Leeds since his 2001 debut, making him fifth in the all-time list of appearances for the club behind John Holmes (625), Fred Webster (543), Kevin Sinfield (521) and John Atkinson (518). He will take up a new role at the club from next season, working with youngsters in the player performance department.
Burrow said: “It has been an honour to play for Leeds my entire career and I feel now is the right time to move onto the next chapter in my career.
“I have been part of so many fantastic memories and hopefully we can create a few more in the months ahead before I hang up my boots.
“Then hopefully I can pass on my experience and love of the club to the next generation in my new role.”