Ex-St Helens & Hull FC man retires after just 2 games for Leeds rugby league club Hunslet RLFC
Former St Helens and Hull FC back Matty Dawson-Jones has announced his retirement after just two games for Hunslet RLFC.
The 35-year-old, who was sent-off during Hunslet’s 44-0 Betfred Challenge Cup win at Leeds community club Stanningley last weekend, admitted his “heart’s not in it any more” after a 13-year professional career. Dawson-Jones also played in Hunslet’s Championship opener against Dewsbury Rams two weeks ago, after joining them on a one-year contract last November.
In a statement released by Hunslet, he said: “This has been a really hard decision to make and one I’m still coming to terms with myself, but I have decided to step away from rugby. I’m at a time now where my work commitments are outweighing the rugby and wanting to spend more time with my family, I know it’s the right call for me.”
He added: “I want to say a massive thank you to the lads and staff at Hunslet for being so welcoming, especially Keith [Senior, director of rugby], Kyle [Trout, coach] and the board for being so understanding and agreeing to release me. I’m sorry it has happened so early in the season, but if I’m honest my heart’s not in it anymore and I wouldn’t be giving the team what it deserves if I kept going. I wish Hunslet all the best for the rest of the season and hope they can kick on from the win at the weekend.”
The Parksiders’ chief executive Neil Hampshire said: “It’s always a sad occasion when players decide to hang up their boots. However, it’s important we understand and support Matty at this time. He leaves the sport having played at the highest level and can be rightly proud of his career. We wish him every success for the future.”
Dawson-Jones made his Super League debut for Huddersfield Giants in 2012 and also featured in the top-flight for Saints, Hull and Leigh, scoring 28 tries in 75 games. He played at a lower level for Doncaster, Rochdale Hornets, Bradford Bulls and Sheffield Eagles.