LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Tributes have poured in from across the NRL community following the announcement of Parramatta player Shaun Lane's immediate retirement on Thursday. The 30-year-old hasn't played since April, when he decided to step away from the club due to feeling burnt out.
On the same day, the Eels revealed that Lane would be taking on a new role within the club, focusing on the Elite Pathways and NRLW programs that prioritize mental skills and athlete wellness.
Mark O'Neill, the Eels' General Manager of Football, praised Lane, stating, "Shaun has been a wonderful ambassador for the Parramatta Eels. He carries himself with humility, integrity, and professionalism, and he's been an exceptional role model for younger players. We're proud to see him step into this important new role, where his leadership and passion for player welfare will continue to make a difference."
Lane's tenure with the Eels included 138 games, highlighted by their grand final appearance against Penrith in 2022, where they narrowly missed out on the premiership.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Lane expressed, "I've absolutely loved my time playing for the Eels. This club means a lot to me, and I'm incredibly grateful for the experiences I've had and the relationships I've built here."
He added, "I'm really thankful to the fans for their unwavering support throughout my career - it's meant the world to me. I'm now looking forward to continuing my career at Parramatta in a different capacity, helping the young athletes thrive on and off the field."
Lane began his professional career at the Bulldogs in 2015, where he played 14 games. He made a brief appearance for the Warriors in 2016 and spent two years with Manly in 2017 and 2018 before joining Parramatta, where he had the most successful years of his career from 2019 to 2025.