Minichiello calls time on stellar career

Mark Minichiello has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2019 Betfred Super League season. 

The 37-year old veteran forward will bring to an end a stellar 18-year professional career in which he has made over 400 appearances in the NRL, Super League and at a representative level.

The Australian-born Italian international first joined the Black & Whites ahead of the 2015 campaign, and has gone on to earn himself recognition as one of the most successful Australians to join the club during the modern era, making over 130 appearances for the Airlie Birds in the process. 

Renowned for his utmost professionalism both on and off the field, Minichiello wrote his name in the history books as a key member of the side that claimed back-to-back victories in the 2016 and 2017 Challenge Cup Finals at Wembley Stadium.

Born in Sydney, he began his career at a junior level with the Liverpool Catholic Club before being chosen to represent the Australian Schoolboys in 1999. 

His breakthrough onto the professional scene came in 2002 when he signed for the Sydney Roosters, before quickly heading to city-rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs. 

The back-rower spent four seasons at the club before making the move to Gold Coast Titans where he would spend the next eight years before joining the Black & Whites in Super League.

Success came quickly, winning the Player of the Season award and Supporters Player of the Season awards in his debut year in East Yorkshire. 

More accolades would come the following year; on the back of the club’s success in the Challenge Cup, he was named in the Super League Dream Team alongside five other FC teammates. 

Minichiello also took the honour of captaining Italy at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, playing for the European nation though his parental heritage.

Speaking on the decision to call time on his professional career, Minichiello said: “It was always going to be an extremely tough decision to make when you come towards the end of your career.

“I have enjoyed a fantastic 17-year playing career and my time here at Hull FC has been outstanding, so that made this decision so hard, but I guess that all good things have to come to an end at some stage.

“In future years, I want to be able to say that I finished my career at the right time. I still feel that I have a lot to offer to the team heading into the final few weeks of the season. And if I can come away with a Grand Final winners ring, then I will certainly be able to say that I retired at the right time.??

During Minichiello’s tenure at the KCOM Stadium, he has enjoyed some unforgettable moments. From lifting the Challenge Cup trophy, to scoring in a Hull Derby, the 37-year-old has certainly made memories and friends for life.

He said: “The highlights of my time here at Hull FC for me are the two Wembley wins in the Challenge Cup Final, both in 2016 and 2017 – those games take some beating! 

“I have been involved in some pretty good Derby wins, too. The whole atmosphere and experience in the lead up to a Derby, then playing in it and the celebrations of winning afterwards is something that I have really enjoyed in my time here.

“It’s impossible to come into a squad of 30 players and not make great friends. When you spend so much time with a group of guys, you build an unbreakable bond with them. 

“There are some fantastic guys at Hull FC, across the first team, into the coaching staff and even into the backroom staff. I’ve really been looked after in my time at the club, which I am extremely grateful for. 

“I would also like to thank the Hull FC supporters. They are a different breed and I have certainly cherished the support they have shown me in the five years I have been at the club.??

Hull FC head coach Lee Radford commented: "Mini has been an outstanding servant to the club, a real top recruit.

"He has had a real influence on setting the culture at the club in recent years - the whole group will take away what he has brought long into their careers. 

"He's one the greatest imports we've had during the Super League era. His level on consistency has been so high  and still even at the age of 37, he's showing so much energy and desire on the field.

"In time to come, he'll be regarded as one of the great forwards to pull on a Black & White jersey.??

Meanwhile, Hull FC Chief Executive James Clark also paid tribute: "Mark will go down as a modern day great who is amongst a small, elite group of players who have made a recognisable difference to the culture and success at our club. 

"He has always carried himself with respect, humility and the utmost professionalism. On behalf of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him at our club, I would like to congratulate Mark on his outstanding career and wish him, Milena and the boys the very best for their life back in Australia."