Senior calls time on Leeds Rhinos career

Chief executive Gary Hetherington led the tributes to the former Great Britain international, who has reached the agreement with the club after a knee injury ended what was the last season of his contract early.

“This has been a hard decision for Keith and the club to make,” said Hetherington.

“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.”

Despite leaving Leeds, Senior, who suffered the injury against Harlequins in May, is targeting a return to action with another Super League club next season, while Leeds have also invited him back to play for them in their tradition Boxing Day friendly.

“I understand the club’s 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,” said 35-year-old Senior, a winner of four Super League titles with Leeds.

“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.”

Senior joined Leeds from Sheffield in 1999 and has since made 365 appearances for them, scoring 171 tries, a tally that leaves him ninth on the club’s all-time list.

He has scored more Super League tries than any other player (199) and made more appearances in the competition than anyone else (413).