Eddy Pettybourne shares retirement message via social media

Former NRL and Super League prop forward Eddy Pettybourne has shared his retirement message via social media. 

The ex-Samoa and USA international announced his decision to retire following his release from Keighley at the end of the 2022 season.

Pettybourne, 34, made his professional debut back in 2007 for the South Sydney Rabbitohs against the North Queensland Cowboys. He went on to make over 100 NRL appearances including stints with Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans.

He featured for Wigan in 2014, and later returned to Europe with Toulouse. The forward also represented USA at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup in England.

Other clubs included Red Star Belgrade, Villeneuve, Limoux and most recently in 2022, Keighley.

Eddy Pettybourne shares retirement message

He wrote on social media: “It’s been quite the journey, but I can officially and proudly make the decision to wrap up my time in the game of rugby and hang up the boots for good. What a crazy yet amazing journey it’s been!

“Growing up as a young Samoan kid all I wanted to do was to give back to my parents and make them proud, which in my eyes was to play just ONE game in the NRL. Not just for any team though it was my ultimate dream to play for the mighty red and green, South Sydney Rabbitohs.

“After playing over a hundred games for the bunnies, it’s safe to say I lived out exactly what I hoped to achieve with over 250 games under my belt for various NRL/Super League/Championship/League 1/Elite 1 French teams since then.

“I’ve been blessed to experience amazing things on and off the field over the last 14 years doing what I love in Australia, England, France and Serbia.

“To my beautiful family, thank you mum and dad for sacrificing everything to make it happen for me! You taught me a lot about discipline, courage, respect, resilience and most importantly to stay humble. From growing up on a small island to sacrificing everything to come to Australia for a better life for us all, I’m forever grateful.

“To my wife, who has been there since day one, thank you for riding this wave with me for the last 14 years and sacrificing everything to fulfill my dream.

“We’ve travelled the world together, had our two beautiful babies in France and have raised our kids abroad away from our families and support network. We’ve experienced the highs and lows together and I owe you everything. I love you so much.”

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