DEWSBURY RAMS coach Paul March hopes Paul Sykes remains involved with the pair’s hometown club – whether as part of his backroom team or in an ambassadorial role.
Former Super League, England and Great Britain halfback Sykes has called time on his playing career at 45, after spending the last eleven seasons at the Rams, for whom he has topped 200 appearances to take his overall career tally past 550.
By featuring eleven times for Dewsbury last year, he set a new Rugby League record by exceeding the 26 seasons completed by Gus Risman, the former Salford, Workington, Batley, Wales and Great Britain back.
Sykes made his debut for Bradford, where he came through the Academy, in 1999 and also represented London Broncos, Bradford again, Wakefield and Featherstone before joining Dewsbury in 2016.
Having played for England in the 2008 World Cup, he had a spell as interim Dewsbury player-coach in 2022, and earlier this year was added to the RFL Roll of Honour in recognition of his lasting contribution to the sport.
Like March, 47, who played his last game for Keighley, where he was also coaching, in 2015, Sykes learned the game at community club Thornhill Trojans, and March said: “I remember him out on the field after training, working on his goal-kicking.
“That dedication and determination has helped him have a great career and represent his country.”
Sykes featured in the season-ending 56-6 home defeat by Newcastle, and March, whose side finished eleventh, added: “With his friends and family there, it was emotional, and it’s a shame we didn’t produce a stronger performance.
“He’s a Rugby League legend. Hopefully he will remain part of the club in some capacity.”
Tom Delaney has signed a contract extension for 2027 but fellow backs Jacob Hookem, George Rayner and Louie Walker are leaving.