Jodie Broughton hangs up his boots

Former Catalans and Salford winger Jodie Broughton has confirmed his retirement from rugby league.

Broughton, 33, scored 13 tries in 13 appearances last season for Batley as they reached the Championship play-offs.

He came through the academy at Leeds but it was during a loan spell at Hull that he made his Super League bow.

A move to Salford followed, where he scored 60 tries in 99 appearances between 2010 and 2013.

From there, Broughton joined Huddersfield and scored 16 tries in 33 games before moving to France with Catalans Dragons.

His prolific try scoring continued, albeit fragmented by injury problems, during his four years with the Dragons – finishing with 38 touchdowns in 52 appearances.

Bowing out in France

A one-game loan spell with Toulouse was followed by a move to Halifax for the truncated 2020 season, before the switch to Batley.

It was in Toulouse where Broughton played his last ever match, as the Bulldogs went down to the eventual champions.

He said: “It was an amazing day. Obviously I’d have preferred one more game, but for it to end there in France, with friends in the crowd, and to be on the field with Browny, made it extra special.

“I’ve been very lucky, I have some incredible memories and friends for life.

“Batley is a fantastic club and to have spent my final year playing there has been amazing. There’s a very similar feel to Catalans, apart from the weather!

“The club has a special togetherness, I knew plenty of the players already, especially James Brown of course as we began our journeys together.”

Broughton, who has continued with his career as a quantity surveyor throughout his playing days, will remain involved in the game as a Player Welfare Officer.

All in all, Broughton scored 140 tries in 218 appearances.

Batley coach Craig Lingard added: “Jodie is the ultimate professional and when you see the quality of club he has played for, there’s no surprise.

“His approach and attitude at Batley have been first class. It’s been a pleasure to have him around the camp this year. We’re delighted he’s staying with us as he looks to the next stage of his career.”

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