Danny McGuire to leave Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season

By Nick Lustig

Image: Danny McGuire will leave Leeds at the end of the current campaign

Leeds Rhinos captain Danny McGuire has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old was contracted to the Rhinos until the end of the 2018 season, but it has been agreed that he will be released from his contract 12 months early.

McGuire, who has spent his entire career with the Rhinos, says he is yet to decide his future plans and insists he is focused on securing a Betfred Super League and Challenge Cup double.

"I am pleased to have made the decision now so I can focus on the remainder of this season and finishing my time at the Rhinos in the best possible way," McGuire said.

"I have been honoured to play alongside some of the greatest players in our game's history and I remember seeing how special it was for Danny Buderus, Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai to finish their time as a Rhino at the very top and that is my aim now.

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Image: McGuire has enjoyed a trophy-laden career with the Rhinos

"When I was a youngster coming through the academy, I got my opportunity because a senior player moved on and now is the right time for me and the club to give our talented, young players their opportunity.

"I have been at my club since I was 12 and spent my entire adult life so far here; it is all I have ever known. But there are exciting challenges ahead and I know that the door is always open for me here at Headingley.

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"I would like to thank Gary Hetherington (chief executive) and Brian McDermott (head coach) for giving me the opportunity to decide my next action. I will take time now to look at my options moving forward.

"I am in no rush to make definite plans about next season and beyond. I am not ready to say my goodbyes just yet, we are currently second in the league and in the Challenge Cup semi-final and that is where my attention is focused now."

McGuire claimed seven Super League Grand Final winners' rings, two Challenge Cups and three World Cup Challenge titles during his time with Leeds.

Image: Head coach Brian McDermott has heaped praise on McGuire

He is also the leading try scorer of all time in the summer era with 233 Super League tries so far. McGuire has scored 262 tries for the club in over 400 games, putting him fourth in the all-time list behind only Alan Smith (283), John Atkinson (340) and Eric Harris (391).

McGuire succeeded Sinfield as captain at the start of the 2016 season but missed most of it through injury.

Head coach McDermott said: "In the decades to come, Danny McGuire's achievements will only become more impressive.

"As well as all the silverware and match-winning plays he has come up with, perhaps the most impressive thing about Danny is the way he has adapted and evolved his game to suit both his team-mates and the game in general.

"I am sure he will take that adaptability with him into whatever he decides to do next and will be a champion as always at whatever that is.

"There are few people who are more determined for success than Danny and I know he will be giving his absolute all in the remaining months of this season to finish on the highest possible note."

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