Senior to leave Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos have announced that legend Keith Senior will leave the club at the end of the 2011 Engage Super League season.
Senior joined the Rhinos in 1999 from Sheffield Eagles and has gone on to make 365 appearances for the club and scored 171 tries, putting him ninth in the all time list of try scorers for the club. He has made more appearances in Super League than any other player during his time at Leeds and Sheffield with 413 and scored more tries with 199, just ahead of Leeds team mate Danny McGuire on 174.
A knee injury suffered against Harlequins in the Carnegie Challenge Cup Fifth Round earlier this year and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following a knee reconstruction. The Rhinos have confirmed however that Senior will make one final appearance for Leeds on Boxing Day in the traditional Charity Festive Challenge match.
Commenting on his decision, Senior, 35, said, “I understand the clubs desire to look to the future and that has freed me up to look at other options as I believe I can still play at least two more seasons in Super League.
“I have enjoyed my time at the Rhinos immensely and will leave having made lifelong friends. I hope that I have contributed to not only the success we have had over the past decade but in laying foundations for future success. The memories of our 2004 Grand Final and then winning three titles in a row will stay with me forever.
“My recovery is coming along well from the knee operation and the biggest disappointment for me is that I will leave the club whilst injured. Having spoken to Gary Hetherington, I am delighted to be invited back to play on Boxing Day. I remember the club did something similar for Willie Poching and it is a nice way to say goodbye and thank you to all those who have supported you throughout your time at the club,” he added.
Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said, “This has been a hard decision for Keith and the club to make. During my time at the club, he has certainly proved to be our greatest ever signing and has always given his absolute all for Leeds Rhinos.
“He will always be welcome at Headingley Carnegie regardless of where his career takes him next because of the service he has given this club and he deserves to mentioned in the same company as the greats who have donned the famous blue and amber shirt down the years.
“Keith will continue with his rehabilitation from the knee injury with our medical staff and we will be making sure that he receives the best possible care to make a full recovery,” added Hetherington.
Senior is currently working on his autobiography, The Bald Truth, which is due to come out this Autumn and will give fans a unique insight into his time at the Rhinos.
