One of England’s finest rugby league players across the last two decades has confirmed his retirement after a final season in Super League.
Catalans Dragons announced on Thursday that 13 players would be leaving at the end of the season with Elliott Whitehead among them. That announcement from the French side also confirmed that the veteran forward would be hanging up the boots and he’s now confirmed that via his own social media.
Whitehead debuted for Bradford Bulls in 2009 and played over 100 games for his hometown club before heading to Perpignan to sign with Catalans Dragons for three seasons.
He’d then swap the south of France for the NRL as he made the move to join Canberra Raiders, playing over 200 games for the Green Machine and cementing himself as one of the club’s great servants.
The 35-year-old then returned to Super League on a one-year deal, rejoining Catalans as part of the club’s heavy NRL recruitment which sadly failed as the Dragons missed the play-offs.
Whitehead only managed 13 games in his second spell with the French side, however, he retires as a fan favourite and with the admiration of all in the sport.
Elliott Whitehead confirms retirement after incredible career
Taking to his social media, Whitehead confirmed: “That’s me done as a player,” as he set about his retirement statement.
It continued: “A season full of injuries and suspensions wasn’t the way I wanted to finish though, but who would have thought a kid from Buttershaw would have had played for his hometown club, moved to France, then spent nearly 10 years playing in the NRL?
“Definitely not me when I was an electrician apprentice at 17, thinking I would never have got to play one game, never mind nearly 400 and over 30 for my country.
“I would like to thank all my teammates, coaches, clubs and fans for supporting me throughout my career and giving me the chance to do what I love for so many years.
“I’ve made friends for life and memories that will last with me forever. Looking forward to what’s next now.”
Whitehead has previously stated that he will return Down Under to take on a coaching role, explaining his intent to link up with the Raiders once again.
Speaking in October 2024, he said: “I want to come back to Canberra once the year’s finished at Catalans and do some coaching here (Canberra) and hopefully progress in that aspect.”
