Widnes Vikings forward Danny Galea has announced his immediate retirement from Rugby League at the age of 32.
The former NRL star, who moved to the Vikings from Canterbury Bulldogs in 2013, has decided to call time on his career after impressing in both of Rugby League’s major league competitions.
In a statement, Galea said the decision was ‘one of the hardest’ decisions he’s had to make.
“This decision is definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” said Galea.
“But I think it’s the right time to start the next chapter of my life.
“The last thing I wanted was to let myself, my family and my team mates down on the field by not consistently competing at a high level. I’d like to thank every player, and coaching staff I’ve ever been involved with for making me the person I am today. One of the greatest things about rugby league is the life long friendships you make and I know I have definitely made a few of them.
“I would also like to thank the main people in my life that had an influence, an opinion, or just a pair of ears to discuss this decision I’ve made. Going right back to the beginning my parents have always been my biggest fans and have done a lot to help me achieve so much over my whole career. Last of all I’d like to thank my wife and kids for riding the Rugby League roller coaster and following me around the world while I try to balance my career and family time. Their care and support really is appreciated through the good times and the bad.
“I will always have a soft spot for the Widnes Vikings and the great bunch of fellas that are involved, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to end my career. Thank you.”
All the best to my mate @DannyGalea . Remember watchn DG playn 1st Team when I was 16 bak home at Penrith Panthers! https://t.co/gJ8S02e7LX
— Willie Isa (@ISA_Willie) November 18, 2015
Goodluck 2 my mate @DannyGalea with retirement. Gonna miss having u around but not as much as @kevjonbrown will now he is def worst dressed — Rhys Hanbury (@rhyshanbury) November 18, 2015
Rhys Hanbury couldn’t resist a cheeky parting shot at his team mate.
Galea has revealed that he will return to Australia in the near future.
Widnes head coach Denis Betts added: “I’d like to thank Danny for his contribution to our team’s development over the last two years, he’s been a fantastic professional and a pleasure to coach.
“It’s a tough decision to make to hang up your boots, I’d like to thank Danny again for being brave enough to step forward now and not later in the year.
“Good luck Danny and thank you from all the performance staff and players.”
