Barrow Raiders forward Danny Morrow has made the decision to retire from professional rugby league following the conclusion of the 2022 Betfred Championship season.
Morrow originally joined the club from Walney ARLFC and made his debut in a 38-0 victory away at Coventry Bears in April 2016.
Since then, he has gone on to feature 78 times for the Raiders, scoring 18 tries.
Morrow made five starts for Paul Crarey’s side in 2022, with a further eight appearances from the bench.
With the 2022 season now over, he has decided to hang up his boots and bid farewell to the Raiders after seven successful seasons with the club.
PRE-ORDER: 2023 ‘Naughty & Nice calendar
“It’s been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in deciding to hang up the boots,” Morrow said. “It’s been in the back of my mind for several months, and in all honesty it would have been a lot easier to just say ‘I’ll do another year’.
“But in my gut I knew it was the right time for me, and a weight has been lifted now I’ve drawn a line under this chapter.
“I’ve been playing rugby at different levels since I was seven years of age, and when it sinks in that I’ve officially stepped away from the game I’m sure it will be a shock to the system.
“The lads have all been brilliant and understanding of the decision, and I knew I could always count on them to be supportive.
“They are a special set of blokes, which is one of the reasons why it has been hard to say goodbye.”
Raiders head coach Paul Crarey has also paid tribute to Morrow following the decision to call time on his playing career.
“He’s been great,” Crarey said. “Danny was thinking about retiring over the last seven months, and he’s unfortunately decided not to go around again.
JOIN US: Barrow Raiders Ladies trials
“This league is pretty brutal, and he’s just got married and has a young family. He’s done really well for us, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Barrow Raiders chairman Steve Neale said: “I would personally like to thank Danny for all the years of service he has given the club, and I wish him well for the future.
“He is a local star who has provided full value for money throughout his stay, and he was one player you knew wouldn’t let you down.
“I understand his reasons for calling time on his professional career, but would like to think he won’t be a stranger and will continue supporting the club.”
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney added: “Danny has been a model professional, both on and off the field. From a personal perspective, he has been a great bloke to deal with, and he knows he will always be welcome at the Raiders.”
Join us in 2023! Season tickets are now on sale!