Kane Linnett retires after outstanding 14-year NRL and Super League Career

Hull KR can confirm NRL Grand Final winner and Super League Dream Team Second-rower, Kane Linnett has retired following the conclusion of the 2023 Betfred Super League season.

The 34 year-old calls time on his 14-year professional career after representing Sydney Roosters, North Queensland Cowboys, Scotland Rugby League and Hull KR, making 306 top flight appearances across the NRL, Super League and International game.

During his time in the NRL, Kane played in three NRL Grand Finals, first for the Roosters before featuring in two for the Cowboys. Playing at centre, Linnett helped fire the Cowboys to their first NRL Grand Final win in 2015 with the side defeating Brisbane Broncos in golden point.

The Scotland International would go onto help the Townsville side secure the 2016 World Club Challenge over Leeds Rhinos, scoring a try in the 38-4 win over the Super League Treble Winners. During his time on the NRL, Linnett made 187 NRL appearances, scoring 57 tries.

Ahead of the 2019 Super League season, Linnett joined Hull KR under then-head Coach, Tim Sheens. A significant singing for the club, Linnett amassed 27 appearances in his first season, scoring 10 tries. In 2021, the former Illawarra junior would move to second-row cementing himself as part of the Robins’ ever-dangerous left edge alongside Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Ryan Hall.

Kane has been an integral part of the Robins’ development into a side challenging for silverware with Linnett's arrival marking a turn in the tide for the club’s recruitment of top talent.

The signing of Kane Linnett coincided with Hull KR's on and off field progress, helping the club to three of the last four Semi-Finals in addition to this season’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

During his time with the club, Kane would be recognised for his contribution to Hull KR making the 2021 Super League Dream Team at second-row and will be remembered as one of the club’s greatest signings in the club’s modern era. In total, Linnett made 110 appearances for Hull KR, scoring 40 tries.

Reflecting on his outstanding career, Kane Linnett said: ‘After thinking about my future thoroughly, I’ve made the decision to finish my professional rugby league career and head home to Australia.

‘I’ve given my all for the badge, supporters and my teammates for the past 5 years and I feel like the time is right for me to finish up and chase a new adventure.

‘I’m very proud of how far Hull KR have progressed since I first arrived and it’s exciting to see where the club is going. I have so many great memories that will last a lifetime and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity that Hull KR have given me and my family.

‘The club, the fans and the city will always hold a special place in my heart. From the Big Red Machine…Up The Robins!’

Speaking on Linnett’s retirement, Willie Peters said: ‘On behalf of everyone at Hull KR, we’d like to congratulate Kane on an outstanding 14-year career.

‘Kane is a leader of men who leads through his actions both on and off the field. He’s a great character with a strong work ethic who I’m sure will be successful post-rugby in anything he sets out to achieve.

‘Kane has been an important part of Hull KR and will leave a lasting legacy at this club. He has achieved the highest of accolades in the game and we wish Kane, Erin and their children all the best for the future.’

Hull KR Chief Executive, Paul Lakin added: ‘It’s clear to see the overwhelmingly positive impact Kane has had on Hull KR since joining the club in 2019. Kane has been one of Hull KR’s finest imports in the modern era and his influence on the club’s progression cannot be understated.

‘It’s a measure of the man that despite having a year left on his contract he felt his body may struggle to go round again and now was the right time to retire. We wish Kane and his family all the very best in the next chapter of their life.’