The 32-year-old former Australia international, who is currently recovering from a second ruptured Achilles tendon injury, has announced his decision to retire from the professional game with immediate effect.
“It has been a tough decision but I know it is the right one for me and my family,” said Galloway, who stayed on in Australia following the Rhinos’ recent trip to Melbourne for the World Club Challenge.
“Despite my two major injuries at the Rhinos, I have loved being part of this fantastic club.
“I haven’t decided yet if I will play on at some level, if possible I would like to finish my time on the field on my terms but that will not be as a full-time professional now as I look towards a career after rugby.
Rhinos Galloway announces retirement from elite Rugby Leaguehttps://t.co/oOR3KYJpMM pic.twitter.com/nYnRBUkJNd
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) 28 February 2018
“I would like to thank (Leeds chief executive) Gary Hetherington and (head coach) Brian McDermott for giving me the chance to play for Leeds Rhinos and all our backroom staff and players who have supported me throughout my time at the club.
“I will be backing the boys from here in Australia and will always remain a Rhino.”
Galloway, who won five caps with the Kangaroos, joined Leeds from Wests Tigers in 2016 but made just 43 appearances in two seasons which were both cut short by the same injury.
Injury also denied him the chance to play for Scotland, for whom he qualifiers through his father.
Keith Galloway gets in on the scoring now for Leeds as he proves too strong near the line pic.twitter.com/NlxjPO8Evp
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) 14 May 2017
Leeds coach Brian McDermott said: “Keith was able to come and speak to the boys himself whilst we were in Melbourne and it was important for him to do that.
“He has been a fantastic member of our squad over the last three years.
“Obviously having suffered two big injuries, you can talk about how he has dealt with adversity and been a lesson for all our squad in that sense but more than that, his quality on the field should not be underestimated.
“We are sad to see him go but he leaves with our best wishes for the future with his young family back home in Australia.”
All the best @kgalloway85 tough couple of years with injuries. But class bloke off the pitch. 👊🻠https://t.co/JS0pucmkx4
— Danny McGuire (@DannyMcguire6) 28 February 2018
Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “We are actively looking to replace him as a senior player in our squad however that will only be if the right candidate becomes available.”
