Bradford coach hails retiring former Man of Steel Danny Brough

“A fit Danny Brough would get into any team.”

Those were the words said by Bradford coach John Kear, who hailed his retiring half-back Danny Brough.

The 38-year-old former Scotland captain and Man of Steel has been forced to retire following medical advice.

Brough retires as the joint fifth highest point scorer in the history of rugby league. He made more than 500 appearances for Dewsbury, York, Hull, Castleford, Huddersfield, Wakefield and Bradford.

Brough won 24 caps for Scotland and two for England. He played in three World Cups for Scotland.

On Brough’s retirement, Kear said: “It is very sad news. It was the third time we have worked together and unfortunately it has come to a sad end. But it is one I feel that Danny’s body was telling him and consequently I feel he has made the correct decision.

“A fit Danny Brough would get into any team, but father time catches up with everyone and your body tells you when it is time. Danny has listened and hopefully he can enjoy a very illustrious retirement and reflect on everything he has achieved.”

John Kear hails retiring Danny Brough

Kear added: “He ends as the joint fifth highest points scorer in rugby league history. That is something to be very, very proud of.

“The number of appearances he has made is something to be very proud of. He has been involved in a League Leaders’ success, that is something to be very proud of. He has also won a Challenge Cup which is something to be very proud of.

RL TODAY: Danny Brough tributes, player welfare lip service & Mose Masoe farewell

“In that game, in my opinion when Kevin Sinfield won the Lance Todd trophy I feel the journalists got it wrong. If they waited a little bit longer they’d have seen the bloke at scrum-half playing for Hull! He has made a big impression and I hope he is remembered as such.

“We would like to thank him for what he has done, we did not get to see the best of Danny which is unfortunate and the reasons for that are well documented in forcing his retirement on medical grounds but I would personally like to say thank you.

“I am sure the club would like to as well. I am sure Bradford fans and rugby league fans in general will wish Danny well and hope he has an illustrious future in front of him.”

READ MORE: Championship ins and outs for 2022: Signings and retentions club-by-club