Ryan Hall wants to extend his playing career into a 20th season after reaching the 500-game milestone in Leeds Rhinos’ win over Wigan Warriors.
The Betfred Super League’s all-time record try-scorer, who made his debut in 2007, reached the career-appearance mark on Saturday as the Rhinos edged out the reigning champions 12-10 at AMT Headingley.
Hall had been expected to retire at the end of this season, having stated this would be his “final year” when rejoining Leeds on a one-year contract, but the last stand-out member of the Rhinos’ golden generation still playing confirmed after the win over Wigan he is eager to make it 20 seasons as a professional in 2026.
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“I’m playing the game I love, it’s my life and I don’t want to give it up,” Hall told BBC Sport.
“I want to keep doing it for as long as I can and if someone wants me to do it, I’ll do it as long as I can.”
Six-time Super League Grand Final winner Hall was unable to score a try which would have added to his competition record of 256 as he joined an elite group of players to have reached 500 career appearances.
The former England international did, however, provide an unusual assist off his head for Jack Sinfield’s try, which was awarded after the video referee deemed Hall had not deliberately headed the ball forwards.
“I play 500 games and that’s the first time I’ve done that, so it’s pretty cool,” Hall said.
Leeds occupy the sixth and final play-off place after five rounds of the nascent Super League season following that win, and face the side they are above on points difference in Warrington Wolves on Friday night.
That fixture at the Halliwell Jones Stadium will mark another milestone, being the 5,000th game to be played in Super League since the competition began in 1996, and Hall will hope for another night to remember as he eyes extending his remarkable career, for as long as possible.
“Traditionally I’ve not done very well in milestone games: My 350th, I lost away at Melbourne, 450 I lost at Wembley, so 500 makes up for it,” Hall said.
“I’ve been told it’s a great achivement, but I’ve got a bit of life left in my legs and I don’t want to stop just yet.
“Wins like that make me a bit more energetic and want to do it again.”
