GARY HETHERINGTON has given his last message as Leeds Rhinos chief executive.

After almost three decades in charge of the West Yorkshire club, Hetherington will moving to the London Broncos as director of rugby.

During his time at Headingley, Hetherington has overseen eight Grand Final wins, four Challenge Cup wins, three League Leaders Shields and three World Club Challenge titles for the men’s team along with Challenge Cup and Championship glory for the club’s women’s and wheelchair teams.

Now, the 70-year-old has reflected on his time at Leeds, saying: “Today is my last one as chief executive of Leeds Rhinos, almost 29 years to the day when I flew back from the 1996 GB Lions Tour to New Zealand to publicly announce that Paul Caddick and I had assumed the ownership and responsibility for Leeds RL and Headingley!

“Where has the last 29 years gone? It’s been a fascinating journey with so many challenges, successes, disappointments and a lot of fond memories.

“I have often said to my staff, “If you find a job you love, you’ll never do a days work in your life” and that’s me!

“I was fortunate to be born and raised in a rugby league community, firstly as a fan and then a professional player, coach and manager and in my late 20s, a club owner at Sheffield Eagles. This journey continued when Paul and I came together and its been eventful ever since!

“I leave knowing the club is in good shape, we have an outstanding group of senior managers, a very dedicated staff and a first-team squad capable of winning silverware. We also have the best crop of young players for over 20 years and “Team Rhinos” now includes our Women, Wheelchair, Learning and Physical Disability teams and our Netball Super League team, all players and staff who wear the Rhinos badge with pride!

“I’m also proud of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, who do so much good work throughout the City and its communities. The Foundation supports rugby league in Schools and community clubs and also delivers health and educational projects for Leeds City Council and other community groups.

“I’m a Rhinos fan, so I’ll be at most home games, I’ll continue to serve the Rhinos Players’ Association and the Rhinos Foundation, and I will also focus my efforts to rejuvenate the London Broncos and make rugby league less of a secret in London and the South of England region. It’s another big and exciting challenge!

“So, thanks again for your support over the years, it is much appreciated and I know you have a lot to look forward to.”