Ex-Leeds Rhinos Challenge Cup winner announces retirement: Hull KR ace to hang up boots at end of season
Former Leeds Rhinos star Rhyse Martin has announced he will retire at the end of this season.
The 33-year-old will take up a new role from 2027 as football operations manager at Papua New Guinea Chiefs ahead of their entry into the southern hemisphere NRL the following year. His current Hull KR team boss Willie Peters has been confirmed as Chiefs' first head-coach.
Martin was a Wembley winner with Rhinos six years ago and will be in Hull KR’s side when they attempt to retain the Betfred Challenge Cup against Wigan Warriors on Saturday. The second-rower was also a Grand Finalist with Leeds in 2022 and kicked three goals when the Robins beat Wigan in last year’s Super League decider.
Martin, 33, joined Rhinos from NRL outfit Canterbury Bulldogs in 2019 and scored more than 1,000 points in 132 games before moving to Hull KR ahead of last season.
He is also captain of the Papua New Guinean national side and has been capped 21 times, including appearances at two World Cups. Martin said: “Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of playing professional rugby league and for it to be my life. I am so lucky and grateful I have been able to have the career I’ve had. I walk away at the end of the season knowing I have given everything for each club I’ve had the honour of representing and hope I have left the jersey in a better place.
“I would like to thank all the coaches and staff who have helped me on my journey. To all of my teammates I have played alongside, thank you. I’ll leave the field with friendships for life. To all the fans at every club I have been a part of, I will miss running out in front of those full stadiums, and I will miss the energy you bring. Thank you.
“I want to thank my friends and my family who have been there from the very start. Lastly, I want to thank my wife, Vanessa, for being by my side through it all and my two beautiful kids, Matteo and Mya.
“I look forward to finishing the year strong for Hull KR and giving everything to the team. With it being a World Cup in 2026, it feels like the right time to hang up my boots representing my country at the end of the year.”
Hull KR chief executive, Paul Lakin said: “Rhyse has been a great signing for us. He is someone I’ve often had chats to about future career opportunities and I know he’ll do really well in his new career at the end of the season. For now, there’s so much more to play for this season.”