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McCarthy in the dark over future

16 Nov 20, 7:41AM 0 Comments

Written by John Davidson

Photo by Salford Red Devils

Veteran forward Tyrone McCarthy is considering retiring early as he looks to find a new contract in Super League for 2021.

At 31 the back-rower is keen to play on next year. But with his contract at Salford Red Devils expiring, and no new offer currently on the table from the Greater Manchester club, McCarthy admits he may end up hanging up his boots.

“To be honest I’m not 100% sure at the moment, so no decision has been made,” he told Everything Rugby League.

“In 12 months there’s a World Cup I intend to be part of so would love to keep playing, but it needs to be for the right reasons.”

McCarthy, who started his career at Warrington in 2009, has played in both Super League and the NRL. The forward has also racked up 18 tests for Ireland, playing in both the 2013 and 2017 World Cups.

McCarthy says he has had discussions with Salford throughout this year about his future, but has yet to have a deal put to him.

“Talks have been on going all year with the club but unfortunately nothing in black and white has been put on the table,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say I definitely won’t be there at Salford next year at the minute, but it has to suit me and my family.

“It’s been good playing back in the middle the last few weeks where I feel I play my best rugby but, either way I think I’ve put in a good shift this year for the teams benefit and when your winning that’s what matters.

“I know there’s plenty of playing left in me but I know my value and what positive influence I bring to a team chasing success.”

McCarthy, who joined Salford in 2017 from NRL side St George Illawarra, has made 15 appearances for the club this season.

The second-rower played in the Challenge Cup final loss to Leeds and in last year’s grand final defeat against St Helens.

He won two Challenge Cups with Warrington, in 2009 and 2012, before moving to Australia to join Queensland Cup side Northern Pride. After spending the 2015 season with Hull KR, he returned down under to sign for the Dragons.

McCarthy has made more 230 appearances in his 11-year career.

With Super League under great financial pressure from Covid-19, many clubs are cutting back on their salary cap spend.

“There has been some talks on going, but as I mentioned it’s got be right for me and my family and that may mean stepping away from playing if the right opportunity doesn’t arise, which would be disappointing,” McCarthy said.

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