Geddes to retire at Season’s End

South Sydney Rabbitohs prop forward Scott Geddes has made the announcement that he will retire from playing Rugby League at the end of the 2012 season.

Geddes, who is in his 11th season with the Rabbitohs, made his first grade debut in the Club’s first win following reinstatement to the NRL competition, against the Canberra Raiders at Canberra Stadium in round two, 2002.

Geddes has played 124 NRL games for South Sydney since 2002. He told his team mates of his decision to retire at the end of the season this week.

Geddes is the only player in the Rabbitohs squad to have been part of the Club every year since reinstatement, but decided recently that 2012 would be his final season on the field.

“I wish I could play forever but unfortunately my body won’t allow that to happen,” Geddes said.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time here at the Rabbitohs. I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years and the Club just continues to grow stronger and stronger.

“I’m proud to say that I’ve played all of my first grade football at the one Club, which is something that not a lot of players get to do.

“I would like to thank the Club and the Members for all the support they’ve given me over the years.

“I may be hanging up the boots at the end of the year but I hope to be part of the Club for many years to come.”

Rabbitohs Head Coach Michael Maguire says Geddes is the consummate professional.

“Scotty has been a real trooper for this Club for over a decade now, and to play the position he does, with the injury issues he’s had over the years, and to keep getting himself ready to play each week shows his level of commitment and professionalism towards the Club and his team mates,” Coach Maguire said.

“He has seen the whole gamut of changes to this Club over the years. From reinstatement, to the ownership changes to the culture changes we’re seeing now, he has been part of it all and has been a real leader in creating a lot of the change that you’re seeing now.

“Everything he does is in the best interests of the Club and the team and we know that he will go out and give his all whenever he has the opportunity to play first grade at South Sydney.

“To keep performing at the level he has, with the injuries he’s had, is a credit to him. He’s great for the young players in the squad, helping them achieve their best at the NRL level too.

“He really personifies the South Sydney spirit.”

Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson paid tribute to the contribution Geddes has made to the Rabbitohs over the past 11 seasons.

“Scott has seen all of the highs and lows that this Club has been through since 2002 and he has been one of the foundation stones that the team has been built around over the past decade,” Mr Richardson said.

“He’s the last man standing that’s been here since the reinstatement. His longevity in this sport is a great credit to him.

“He takes the same attitude into his work for the Club off the field that he takes into the work he does on the field for us. He is professional in the way he prepares to play, and nothing is too much to ask of him off the field as well.

“He has been a great servant to this Club for 11 seasons and we’re certain that he will be a success once he retires at the end of the season.

“Scott is one of the Club’s favourite sons and I’m sure our Members and supporters will join the players, coaches and staff in farewelling Scott in the appropriate fashion at season’s end.”

Geddes has set himself up for life after football having established a personal training business, First Grade Fitness, in recent years. You can see more information about First Grade Fitness at www.firstgradefitness.com.au

Scott Geddes

Position: Prop forward
Junior Club: Moss Vale Dragons
Born: October 18, 1980
Height: 190cm. Weight: 107kg.
NRL Games: 124 (all for the Rabbitohs)
NRL Points: 20 (5 tries all for the Rabbitohs)
NRL Debut: Rabbitohs vs Raiders, Canberra Stadium; March 23, 2002 (Rd 2)

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!