Sad day. I guess though with blockbuster back-rowers Williamson and Robinson and other international class players like Ryan Esders there's just no room for another second rower.

And when the inevitable injuries and/or suspensions occur next year, we'll be able to give an “opportunity” to a player from the north who doesn't understand the club and plays with half the commitment Joe shows (and those are the good ones).

And then we'll call it progress.

I do of course wish Joe and his family all the best for the future, but I think I had much to offer the club for many years to come.

Very sad of him to retire at 25, agree with Listy again, he never wanted to leave London, he started his career here, and i guess he wanted to end it.
He had to retire as supporting a young family and playing part time for the Skolars wouldn't be enough income.
Sad for him, was a great guy to talk to, and i know he helped us bring in that french guy, Gigot, as he was fluent in french, and no one else was when Rinaldi left the club.
Was a great guy, he wore his heart on his sleve playing for this club. He loved it.
Sad day tbh.

Joe Mbu would never make a grand final chasing team but as said above he is as good as the disgustingly overpaid Williamson and Robinson. The fact that he has left and those two are still on contract says everything about what a sham Harlequins RL is.

Until David Hughes shows that he gives a damn about losing matches and money, it will get worse and worse until the club loses its super league licence.

Any other owner would have said enough is enough of the trash but not Hughes. I really wonder what his aim actually is.

All the best, Joe - you will be missed. Always gave 100%, and seemed a really nice guy to boot.

Not quite fair to criticise Hughes for this, though - tipping millions of pounds into the club each year shows a degree of commitment even if we disagree with how it is spent!

Real shame to hear this news. Joe was always a real wholehearted player who gave everything. Hope the club give him a send off at the first home game. However, this isn't something they've always done before.

Joe did miss a few games last year when injury was not mentioned at the time I thought wonder if there is something not quite right. Hope He can be kept on with the club in some shape or other. Very good communicator and likeable Guy.

Excellent replacement for McDermott then, a complete parallel, exactly what we need

I mistakenly thought You liked Mcdermott

A good honest player and too young to retire. Hope he helps out London RL in some form or other.

I do wonder about the finances at Quins; Joe Mbu would not be in my starting 13, but he is a Londoner, could cover both back-row and front-row positions, was experienced, always put 100% in.

Can't say we haven't seen it before, with Mac chopping him before, before welcoming him back with open arms after his stint up in Doncaster.

I do fear that there is very little cash flying about the club, except the cash from Sky television. Joe Mbu was worthy of a place in the squad next year, and it is money (or lack therefore of) that has forced him out.

Sad news indeed.
We didn't see him at his best this season due to his injury, and we will miss his work rate on the field next season.
Good luck Joe in whatever you decide to do, lets hope we see you again at Quins in another capacity?

Very Sad news indeed.
Maybe Ady can get him sorted out with one of the development roles on offer at the RFL in London? He needs to be retained by the game as an example of what hard work and commitment can achieve.....

I completely agree that it is a sad to see Joe retire at such a young age and more so being a Londoner, but can't we accept for the time being for the respect of Joe and his Family, that is was his own decision?

Yes, I bet Joe is in tears at some people suggesting that this isn't all his own doing. Apologies to his family who will clearly be distressed by this assertions.

What would that be? That you put in a ton of hard work, give reliable performances every time you play, show committment and endeavour to the club and fans, and then get replaced by an Australian on twice the money but with less skill and even less committment?

A bit over the top IMO. Both those players have far more skill than Joe has.

Let's hope that the 2 aussies replicate what a lot of Aussies have done in SL - been absolute sh111te for the first season and then been the players they should be after that. Remember Pat Richards getting panned by Pie fans in his first season, Clint Newton being pretty average at HKR in his first year, Matt King - nuff said.

Back on topic - all the best Joe and thanks for all you did, do I remember a game at Brentford when he played on with a bust arm.

All the Best Big Joe

Good luck Joe...Hope we all get to thank you in person at the Stoop next year....You deserve a full round of

Let them show it then.

Good luck Joe.

Remember Joe getting up after an awkward tackle on the touchline at Brentford with his arm clearly broken and running back in field to accept the next pass.

The most commited player on and off the field that we had.

Remember it well.

All the best Joe!

From what I have read on this thread, you seem a very popular player down there and I am sure you'll be a big loss to London RL.

Yes, I well remember that committed display at Griffin Park, but plenty of other players would have done the same and long term we have to decide which players can best take the club further. Take away the "Londoner" factor and Joe was no more than an average (and that's being generous) utility forward who gave 100%. Is (for instance) Jason Golden less worthy? There's been a lot of sentimental claptrap spouted on this thread. People soon moan if we sign journeymen from up north, yet moan when we don't retain one of our own. You might say there's nothing to choose between the two so why not keep the home-grown lad, but that's down to the coach to decide.

Fundamentally disagree.

Joe was much better than average and this is part of the reason why we all liked him so much. He should never have been released, should have been given a bigger role in the team. Obviously him being home grown is also a factor - how could it not be when there is so few of them that are geniune first 17 contenders?