Huddersfield Giants’ Eorl Crabtree has revealed he was happy to continue his playing career, but retired to free up salary cap space for Rick Stone.
The long-serving forward brought an end to his 16 seasons in Giants colours earlier this month, taking up a new role with the club as a result.
However, the 34-year-old has admitted that he would have been open to another season on the field, but agreed to retire following a conversation with the Giants head coach.
“I was more than happy to play my last year out,” Crabtree told League Express.
“I spoke to Stoney, and he was wanting to look towards the future and the players we need, because we’re desperate in certain positions and he wants his own team together.
“Bearing in mind I would only go for another year or two, we decided between ourselves that it would be better if I moved aside and he can do what he wants with getting different players in that he wants. It frees up some space on the salary cap, so it ended up being mutual.
“I had the opportunity to look elsewhere, if I wanted to leave then I could have done that, Huddersfield wouldn’t have stopped me going elsewhere. But it wasn’t an option that I wanted to take. I want to be a part of Huddersfield in the future.”
Crabtree now gets that opportunity in an ambassadorial capacity at the Giants, with the former England international tasked with aiding the club’s marketing strategy.
“It’s all about getting people through the gates and I think I can help doing that.
“The fact that we haven’t been as successful in the past hasn’t helped. You’ve had Bradford when they were at their height, Leeds Rhinos too. There have always been better options. It’s up to us now to perform on the field, to win some major trophies and get some people interested.”
