Galea to leave Robins at season’s end

He has always been a respected player among his peers as well as with the fans, but former Penrith Panther and Wests Tigers player Ben Galea, his tenure at ESL side Hull KR is set to come to an end – with the club and player unable to come to an agreement for 2013.

Galea, 33, who joined the Robins in 2008, has played over 100 games in four and a half seasons for the club – and admitted that he was keen for one more year before hanging up the boots.

Although a deal between club and player was not reached, Mike Smith, Robins Chief Executive said:

“In the four years that I’ve been here, Ben has been a pleasure to deal with. He’s a consummate professional, both on and off the pitch, and has often provided the link between the players and the club, even before he was made captain at the start of this year.

“He’s also an exemplary role model to the younger players we have at Hull Kingston Rovers and has played a big part in helping to establish the club in Super League during the past five years. We’d liked to have kept Ben here for another season but unfortunately an agreement couldn’t be reached, hence the reason he will be moving on at the end of the year.

“I have no doubt that Ben will continue to play a big part for the team during the remainder of the season and he will leave Hull Kingston Rovers with our very best wishes for the future.”

Galea himself admits that whilst he is disappointed at having to depart, he will do so with some great memories at the Hull-based club.

“I am extremely disappointed that the club and I have not been able to reach an agreement for the 2013 season,” he said.

“I still feel a huge desire to play rugby league now and beyond the 2012 season, making me extremely reluctant to hang up the boots.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the past five seasons at Hull KR and will be sad to leave. I would like to thank my team mates, the club and the supporters for making my time at Hull KR the fantastic experience it has been. I will continue to wear the red and white jersey with pride and give my best until the final whistle blows.”