LOD retires

[Andrew Walker]

Luke O Donnel has announced his retirement Source Sydney Roosters homepage

All the best and thanks for your efforts this year

[Horry]

Well done LOD!

[Ray Stehr]

He had a great year in 2013.

[TheLoneRooster]

Retiring at the top, a smart move and thank you for a fantastic contribution in 2013.

[Guest]

All the best LOD. Went out a winner.

Just a pity that he didn't announce it before the GF so he could be recognised as were other retirees. I doubt he is one for fanfare though.

He has certainly had a good career for a number of club and rep teams. Truly one of the 'hardmen'.

[roosterproud]

Tigers

O'Donnell made his first grade debut with the Balmain Tigers on 31 July 1999. He was sin binned on his debut match, a loss to the Sydney City Roosters at Leichhardt Oval. O'Donnell made three appearances off the bench during the 1999 season, all losses.[2]

From 2000, O'Donnell played 4 seasons with the Wests Tigers, playing in 48 games. However, in the second game of the 2003 season O'Donnell received a 11 week suspension for a late, high tackle that left Michael Monaghan with a broken jaw,[3] and played no further games with the Tigers. At the time, it was the second longest suspension in NRL history.[3]

Cowboys

O'Donnell joined the North Queensland Cowboys from the 2004 season, and that season was named the club's player of the year.[4] Also in 2004 he was in the first Cowboys team to make the semi-finals. The following year O'Donnell played from at second row in the North Queensland Cowboys' first ever Grand Final in 2005 which they lost to his former club, the Wests Tigers. He was then chosen for the 2005 Tri-Nations team.

Early in the 2007 NRL season, O'Donnell was involved in a "wishbone" tackle that pulled all his hamstring muscles on his left leg away from his pelvic bone, leaving him unable to play for the rest of the season.[5][6][7] The opposition players involved, including Liam Fulton and Bronson Harrison were not charged over the incident.

In 2008, O'Donnell received a 7 week suspension relating to 2 separate striking charges and abusing a sideline official.[8]

In August 2008, O'Donnell was named in the preliminary 46-man Kangaroos squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.[9][10] He was selected for City in the City vs Country match on 8 May 2009.[11] Later that month, he was named in the 17 man squad to represent New South Wales in the opening State of Origin match on 3 June 2009, in Melbourne.[12] Also in 2009 he was named the Cowboys' player of the year for the second time.

In July 2010 it was announced that O'Donnell had signed a four-year deal to play for Super League team Huddersfield Giants.[13] During his final NRL season he was banned for three weeks following an ugly incident in Game II of the 2010 State of Origin series where he dangerously tackled Queensland's Darius Boyd and appeared to headbutt Dave Taylor.[14] Team-mate Mitchell Pearce said of the incident,"I thought he was going to eat him!"

O'Donnell was sent off twice during his time with the Cowboys, once in 2006 (playing against the New Zealand Warriors in a match the Cowboys lost 26-0) and once in 2008 (in a match against Penrith which the Cowboys lost in golden point extra time). O'Donnell left the Cowboys as the most suspended player in NRL history, having spent 29 games suspended. "It was really disappointing considering I work so hard and then come game time you feel like you have a target on your head," he later said.[16]

Giants

Luke O'Donnell joined old Cowboys' teammate David Faiumu at Huddersfield. He was selected for the Exiles squad for the Rugby League International Origin Match against England at Headingley on 10 June 2011.[17]

Roosters

On the 14th of February 2013 it was announced that Luke has signed with the Sydney Roosters on a 1 year deal. [18] He played only 3 times before being suspended for breaching the Code of Conduct.

leaves the roosters with one minor prems award, one grand final ring, 29 tries in 215 career games at the age of 33.

[Guest]

Was our best (along with Moa) in the first half of the Grand Final.

[Andrew Walker]

Was our best (along with Moa) in the first half of the Grand Final.

Totally agree I thought the flow of the match changed when LOD came into the game in the 1st half

[Tommy Smith]

Thanks LOD for the Premiership. Awesome player.

Enter Dylan Napa as a full-time member of the 1st grade squad. Can't wait to see him develop and instil fear in the opposition.

[ism22]

GOLD!!!!!!!! Smashed the two most deserving blokes on the field!!! A high shot on GI or something would have topped it off.

---

During his final NRL season he was banned for three weeks following an ugly incident in Game II of the 2010 State of Origin series where he dangerously tackled Queensland's Darius Boyd and appeared to headbutt Dave Taylor.[14] Team-mate Mitchell Pearce said of the incident,"I thought he was going to eat him!"

[Guest]

I've got it on good authority that LOD will stay on as a part-time forwards coach - he will also be training with the boys.

[Andrew Walker]

I've got it on good authority that LOD will stay on as a part-time forwards coach - he will also be training with the boys.

Hmmm interesting $1 contract Maybe match payments should injuries hit hard

[Guest]

I've got it on good authority that LOD will stay on as a part-time forwards coach - he will also be training with the boys.

Sound good, his influence on our youngins is invaluable. Napa.

[Vasco]

Well done on great career.

Thankyou for being a part in such a memorable season.

Easts to win.

Premiers.

[Darkone]

Thanks for your contribution oh mighty LOD!!!

When it was originally announced last season most of us knew what you would bring to our team...

All is done mate you rose beyond our expectation & was there when needed most

If you remain in other capacities it can only bode well