Good solid SL player.



Ironically been one of our performers in the pack recently and seemed back to his 2012 form so a surprise he's not going round for one more season but understandable. Best of luck for the future!

Did I read somewhere that Andy Raleigh has been studying an MBA whilst playing RL?

If so, I expect he'll do alright in retirement; rumour has it that he's a very clever lad - despite appearances!

James Deighton on Twitter mentioned he was the smartest RL player he knew.

There are more than ever now.

I remember when Andy Mason was an oddity because he was an accountant and not a pit man.

I know as full timers player don't usual have a career yet but many are now well qualified to pursue one when they finish.

Even some who don't get qualification are often quite bright, Paul Cooke is a great example of that - flawed but very bright.

Andy is a clever lad studied a degree in Newcastle, played a fair bit with him at rep level as a student. To be honest I was always shocked when he signed for Hull KR as he was never the best player but was certainly the most committed.

It's a credit to him that and his work ethic that he has made a career or rugby and I am sure given his work ethic he will go on to do well whatever career path he follows.

Another clever bugger

is Jon Wells with a law degree or something of a similar ilk.

He was student player of the year and player of each tour he went on ( Russia and NZ) of course he was a great player. A book came out recently calling him the best student player to come into the professional game?

I don't understand your shock at Andy signing for Hull KR. He signed from Sheffield Eagles where he was outstanding, and was voted players player, fans player and coaches player of the season, as well as being in the division Dream Team.
He clearly has more than a great work ethic, although I would agree he has that in spades.

It was a rather reserved, backhanded compliment wasn't it?

I think he means pro player rather than student player

To me if didn't read like that, anyway the point still stands he was in the league two dream team 2 years on the bounce before he went to HKR. Hardly someone who wasn't a good player, just committed.

Agreed, it does sound that way.

It certainly was not intended as a back handed compliment. He has had a very good career and deserved to get where he has in the game.

To elaborate when I played with or against him he was always a good player, as a half back when playing I appreciated him much more than I did before I played with him as his work ethic was fantastic. He was always wanting the ball to take a drive and willing to make the tackle over and over again.

Other players were line breakers and try scorers Andy’s game was based around his work ethic rather than his skills offload etc. Whilst he was not the most naturally talented player his commitment both on and off the field and willingness to make sacrifices in that University environment away from rugby ie missing nights out and the like to ensure he remained at the top of his game even as a student stood him apart from others, who were potentially more naturally talented but did not commit to things like he did.

I was shocked to see him sign with Hull as whilst he was clearly a good player I didn’t think he had the game to take it to the next level in the pro ranks, and then for him to make the step up again to SL which he has done well was a surprise to me. He has throughout his career played to his strengths and that has served him very well.
It was not intended as a back handed compliment at all. I had the pleasure of playing with Mike Tindall for over a decade and I would say the same about him.

Having been involved in youth development I actually have more respect for players like Raliegh I have regularly seen players with all the talent in the world but who are not willing to go the extra mile to make it as a pro.

www.examiner.co.uk/sport/rugby-l ... dy-7541973? Was considering one more season but wrist reconstruction surgery not worked.....

www.examiner.co.uk/sport/rugby-l ... dy-7541973? Was considering one more season but wrist reconstruction surgery not worked.....

Been a great servant to both our clubs and the sport in general, am i right in thinking he's won the players player of the year award at every club he's been at ??

Don't think you will find a Fartown fan with a bad word to say about him, cracking player for us and will get an excellent reception off the Giants fans...all the best Andy and enjoy your retirement !!!!

Think he should lead the players out on sunday.

Due to his testimonial match being called off because of the pitch, I think Sunday's raffle or part of it is for him so don't forget for you and your mates to dig deep thanks in anticipation Dazza

Certainly will !!!

I agree. If anyone has info about what is going on, start a new thread so it gets some publicity

Did he ever get to wear his testimonial shirt? It might be an option for the Trinity players to at least don it for the warm up, if not for the actual game.

It was worn against hunslet in the friendly with them

Daz you are correct. Players player and coaches player at every club he's played at. Speaks volumes. Below are the prizes in the halftime draw. Dig deep!!

The prize list for the Andy Raleigh’s testionial tickets is: two directors box tickets for Giants v Wildcats at The John Smith’s Stadium in the regular 2015 season, two hospitality tickets for Wildcats v Giants at the Legends Suite including a four-course meal and seating in the main stand in the regular 2015 season, a signed Huddersfield Giants shirt 2014 season, a signed Andy Raleigh Testimonial shirt, two Championship tickets for Huddersfield Town v Middlesbrough on Saturday, September 15.

A great servant to the club, thanks for your 100% commitment and dedication, you have been a great forward for Wakefield Trinity. Sad to see you go and thought you had at least another year in you. Andy is exactly what you want from every player at your club; no nonsense, gets on with his job and does it very well. For the most part his performances have been 1st class and when he has dropped off a bit he has got his head down and come back as good as ever. It is a testament to the man how highly thought of by the fans of all the clubs he has played at.

Absolutely bang on, i reckon every fan who's had the pleasure of having Andy at their club would all say exactly the same, certainly my description of him !!

Classic from Crabtree on Twitter, "in 14 years of rugby never had my boot laces undone at a scrum." Appears it was our Andy, Classic well done son, made my day.