Jeffries kept retirement quiet

Ben Jeffries: Delayed announcing retirement plans

Ben Jeffries kept his retirement quiet for most of the season in fear Bradford Bulls' administrators would rip up his contract.

The 32-year-old decided in May that the 2012 Super League campaign would be his last as a professional rugby league player.

When the Bulls entered administration in June he opted to keep the news quiet so the remainder of his deal would be honoured.

Jeffries says the decision to retire had nothing to do with the Bulls saga, stating his body was telling him to call it a day.

"I had actually planned to announce my retirement pretty much straight away but when the club went into administration in June I felt they would rip my contract straight up."
Ben Jeffries Quotes of the week

Quiet

"I have pretty much known since late May that I was going to retire and move back home," he told the Telegraph and Argus.

"I had actually planned to announce my retirement pretty much straight away but when the club went into administration in June I felt they would rip my contract straight up.

"We have been building a house back home so we hadn't planned to not get paid, therefore I didn't say a word.

"It was quite hard to keep it secret but the club's financial problems had no influence whatsoever on my actual decision to retire.

"Nor did homesickness. My wife was happy to stay if I wanted to stay but my mind and my body is ready to finish professional football.

"I would rather go out loving playing than go on too long."