Ricky Leutele has officially announced his retirement from rugby league, bringing the curtain down on a 14-year professional career highlighted by his role in Cronulla’s historic 2016 NRL premiership.
The 35-year-old confirmed his decision via an emotional social media post, reflecting on a journey that took him from Woodridge to the top level of the sport across both hemispheres.
Leutele will be forever remembered fondly by Sharks fans as a key member of the club’s first and only NRL premiership side, playing in the 2016 Grand Final triumph that ended decades of heartbreak for the Cronulla faithful.
A powerful and reliable centre, Leutele scored six tries during that premiership campaign and provided a strong presence as the Sharks surged to an unforgettable title.
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He spent nine seasons at Cronulla, amassing 128 first-grade appearances and 30 tries, establishing himself as one of the most consistent outside backs in the club’s modern era.
After leaving the Sharks at the end of 2018, Leutele took his career overseas, joining the Toronto Wolfpack and playing a major role in their promotion to the Super League with 35 appearances.
His journey then included a brief return to the NRL with Melbourne, before further Super League stints with Huddersfield and Leigh, where he continued to perform well into his 30s.
Leutele finished his playing career in Australia with Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup, while also proudly representing Samoa on seven occasions at international level.
Across the NRL and Super League, Leutele totalled 249 first-grade appearances, a testament to his durability, professionalism and consistency across a long career.
In his retirement message, Leutele paid tribute to his family, teammates and clubs, acknowledging the injuries and setbacks along the way while expressing pride in overcoming every challenge.
While his playing days are now over, Leutele has indicated he plans to remain involved in rugby league, aiming to give back to the game that delivered him a premiership ring and a career he once only dreamed of achieving.