Leeds Rhinos comment - Stevie Ward's injury woes rob game of an outstanding talent

With two Grand Final rings, a Challenge Cup winner’s medal and league leaders’ shield on their CV, most players could retire satisfied, but in Stevie Ward’s case the curtain has come down too soon.
Stevie Ward in pre-season action against Wigan last January, the game when he suffered his initial concussion. Picture by Tony Johnson.Stevie Ward in pre-season action against Wigan last January, the game when he suffered his initial concussion. Picture by Tony Johnson.
Stevie Ward in pre-season action against Wigan last January, the game when he suffered his initial concussion. Picture by Tony Johnson.

Not that he has done the wrong thing by hanging up his boots, but there was so much more he might have achieved, had the rugby gods been on his side. At times since his debut in 2012, it seemed if it wasn’t for bad luck, Ward would have no luck at all.

Having battled back from shoulder and knee injuries, he has called it a day after a concussion, suffered a year ago, limited him to just one competitive game in 2020. It’s a tough, but sensible decision. Ward is 27 and there’s more to life than rugby league, but it is a shame for him, Rhinos and the game as a whole the back-rower never reached his peak.

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One of the most talented players to emerge from Rhinos’ academy, as well as being a very decent individual, he had abundant skill, never gave less than his all and, without so much misfortune with injuries, would have been a player England could build their pack around for a decade.

Ward’s 80-minute performance in the 2017 Grand Final, eight days after dislocating a shoulder was astonishing and provided a lasting legacy from his playing career.

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