Thackray parts from Rhinos

Prop forward axed by Super League leaders

Last updated: 27th March 2008

Jamie Thackray Leeds Rhinos

Thackray: Rhinos departure

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World Club Champions Leeds Rhinos have terminated the contract of former Great Britain prop Jamie Thackray with immediate effect.

The 28-year-old has been unable to break into Brian McClennan's first team squad this season and as a result has found himself surplus to requirements at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

Thackray joined the Rhinos in 2006 from Hull FC on a three-and-half year contract and played an integral part in the Championship winning campaign - scoring five tries in 27 appearances.

Thackray - who had a brief loan spell at Doncaster earlier this season - told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Hopefully something will come up soon, all I want to do is get back playing and prove to everyone I can still play.

"Obviously I'm gutted, but we have come to an arrangement. I am happy and Gary (Hetherington, Rhinos' chief executive) is happy.

"We had a good chat and he said he didn't think I'd be playing and there'd be no point me hanging around playing U21s.

Disappointing

"They are going really well, so that makes it even harder for me to get in.

"I loved it at Leeds. I tried my best and never did anything wrong, but the new coach has come in and he didn't see me in his plans.

"It is disappointing, but there's no hard feeling. He has been honest with me."

Hetherington admitted his disappointment that Thackray had been unable to stamp down a regular place with the club, and wished the prop forward all the best for the future.

"Unfortunately things have not worked out for Jamie but we wish him all the best for the future," Hetherington said.

"Jamie is obviously frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities this season.

"I am sorry things haven't worked out for him, so we have agreed a mutual termination of his contract and he is now free to explore other options."

Reports have already suggested Thackray will return to Hull, who have an injury crisis particularly affecting their front row, until the end of the season.