Parramatta captain Nathan Hindmarsh has scotched rumours he’ll delay retirement to play another NRL season under incoming coach Ricky Stuart.
Hindmarsh announced his retirement in March, but the recent departure of coach Stephen Kearney and appointment of Stuart, and two dynamite wins over Melbourne and Brisbane led to speculation he might change his mind.
“I’m counting down the days and the weeks now, I’ve been doing that for a while,” Hindmarsh said on Friday.
“I know it’s the right time to retire. I’m happy with the way I’m playing rugby league and I’ll definitely be hanging my boots up at the end of the year.”
The 32-year-old has been in strong form over recent weeks, but he’s made it clear he has mentally checked out of the game.
“I’m looking forward to it, ” he said.
“I’m excited about new ventures, a new life.”
The former NSW and Australia back-rower said he’d most miss training sessions with his teammates.
“Just turning up to training and having a laugh, playing indoor cricket in the sheds and having a good time – that’s what I’ll miss,” he said.
“The game day, not so much. I’ll get over that quite quickly. But having a laugh, discussing what’s been going on in the world in the morning, having a coffee and a bit of a chinwag.”
The Eels came crashing back to earth last week when they let slip a big first half lead to be crushed by Wests Tigers 51-26.
Hindmarsh said the team’s attitude wasn’t up to scratch.
“It’s just commitment, that’s all it is, we weren’t willing to get in there and have a go,” he said.
“(Interim coach) Brad (Arthur) made sure that we do it this weekend, or else.”
Arthur said the Eels were keen to turn it around for their final four games to give Hindmarsh and fellow departing teammate Luke Burt the send-off they deserved.
“It’s important for our fans and history and tradition of the club not to get the wooden spoon, but we just need to focus on two blokes and that’s Hindy and Burty, and doing what we need to do for the next four games,” he said.
“If we’re lucky enough to avoid the wooden spoon then that’s good. But the priority is those two blokes and the fans and ourselves, as well, having a bit of self-pride.”
