Castleford Tigers fullback Luke Dorn has revealed that he will retire at the end of the current Super League season.
The Australian has spent the majority of his career in England, becoming the highest overseas appearance maker in Super League history since his move to British shores in 2005 to join London Broncos.
After two years in the capital, Dorn headed north to enjoy spells at Salford and Castleford before moving back to London, playing over 100 games in his second spell in the capital, scoring over 60 tries in the process.
However, his return to Castleford in 2014 coincided with a stunning year for the Tigers, as they finished in the top four and reached the final of the Challenge Cup, excelling in the fullback role.
Dorn was limited to 14 appearances for the Tigers last year due to injury, but he managed to score 10 tries. In the same year he made his 250th British club appearance, taking the record for an overseas player.
He returned to the fray last night after a hamstring tear to produce a man of the match performance in their win against Leeds, and following last night’s 52-12 victory, Dorn feels that now is the right time to confirm his future plans.
“It will be with a heavy heart when I finish here, but it’s a great club I am finishing at, and I’m really excited that my last game will be for this great club.” said Dorn.
“It’s a completely different club from when I was here the first time, and I think we’ve all played a part in where the club is at now, Daryl from the top with his coaching staff, and the players that have come and gone, everybody is shaping the club in some was shape or form.
“I think leaving at the end of this year, I’ll be leaving this club in a good place.”
Tigers head coach Daryl Powell said: “You generally know when an Australian player comes over here that at some point in their life they are going to go home, and Luke has decided that this is the right time for him and we respect that decision. He’s had an awesome time here at the club and we wish him well, but he’s got a few things he needs to do here before he goes.”
Powell added: “He’s probably been the best attacking full back in Super League when he’s been fit over the past couple of years, he’s a real threat, and I’m hoping he’ll continue to do that for the remainder of his time here this season to help us achieve what we want.”
You can read more from Luke Dorn about his retirement and the Castleford team-mates he’s backing for England in this Monday’s League Express. Want to subscribe so you can receive the paper hassle-free and easily on a Sunday night? Click here!
