Ryan won't rule out NRL retirement - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Ryan won't rule out NRL retirement

By Genevieve Gannon 20/07/2011 05:32:04 PM Comments (0)

One Bulldog was locked in to a long-term deal on Wednesday while another is set to be let loose in another day of action at Canterbury.

In some welcome news for the struggling club following the departure of coach Kevin Moore, 2011 NRL leading tryscorer Ben Barba re-signed through till 2015.

But things didn't sound nearly as peachy for Andrew Ryan, the captain admitting retirement might be an option for him with the club yet to offer him a deal.

"Nothing's been decided at this stage," Ryan told journalists on Wednesday.

He said that his preference is to stay with the Bulldogs but made it clear the decision was not up to him.

"Retirement is an option, also going to England and playing next year is an option as well," Ryan said.

"I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens."

Ryan notched up his 200th game with the Bulldogs in April, eight years after his 2003 club debut against South Sydney.

He was named captain on the day of the 2004 grand final, the same year he broke Bob McCarthy's 1976 record for the most tries in a season by a first grade forward, scoring 13.

In 2009, he was named Dally M Captain of the Year but, like a number of his team-mates, has faded in 2011.

Ryan said he is expecting a decision on his future to be made within the next week. He emphasises his focus is on finishing the season with some more wins.

"Next year is so far away for me," he said.

"I think there's been way too much talk on next year and our main focus is winning games this year."

The former Australian and NSW second rower said he was disappointed with the situation surrounding the departure of Moore, who walked out last week after being told he was not required in 2012, but said he had confidence in interim coach Jim Dymock.

"We're right behind him," he said.

Canterbury CEO Todd Greenberg reiterated that Dymock is still in a good position to take the top job in 2012.

"Jimmy's in the box seat. He's got seven games to show us what he can do," Greenberg said.

"But we'll go through a very exhaustive process."

Meanwhile, Barba's commitment comes as a shot in the arm for the Bulldogs after the loss of fellow back Jamal Idris, who'll link up with the Gold Coast from 2012.

The NRL's top try scorer so far in 2011 with 14 tries, Barba has signed an upgraded contract for 2012 and committed to stay in the blue and white jersey until the end of the 2015 season.

Greenberg said Barba is an outstanding talent.

"Ben is a real role model," Greenberg said.

"We certainly look to him as a leader both on and off the field in the years to come."

Barba said he is very excited to confirm he will be at the Bulldogs for the long term.

"The club has treated me well ever since I got here and I wanted to stay a Bulldog and build a career here," he said.

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