Club Hero Retires
After weeks of speculation Canberra Raiders club favourite Iosia “Rodney” Soliola has announced his immediate retirement from rugby lea
After weeks of speculation that he was planning to extend his 336-game rugby league career, Canberra Raiders club favourite Iosia “Rodney” Soliola has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league.
“I’m at ease with everything now,” Soliola said. “There’s a few mixed emotions, I’m excited and a bit nervous but relieved to make the decision to leave the game which has given me a lot and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Soliola played 137 matches for the Raiders between 2015-21 and 92 games for Sydney Roosters (2005-09).
He also played 117 matches for St Helens in UK Super League (2010-14).
He paid tribute to the Raiders club and said it has been a huge part of his life.
“When I signed, I didn’t realise how much influence this club had outside the game itself.
“My family and friends and the generation I grew up with in the 90’s, my immediate family and parents really understood who guys like Loz (Daley) and Rick [Stuart] and Mal [Meninga] were and they were a big influence on that generation, and it was pretty cool.
“Even knowing guys like Gerry (De La Cruz) before I came here and then learning on how big of a part he played here as Raider #3 was nice to uncover all of those stories and learn as much as I could.”
Soliola, a respected father figure among the Raiders’ Polynesian players, will remain employed by the club in their welfare and education department.
The big backrower will leave something of a hole in the club’s forward stocks given the departures of Dunamis Lui, Siliva Havili and Ryan James.
Fullback Caleb Aekins has also been let go.