'Lived out my dreams': Greece captain Jordan Meads retires
Published by IntRL
03 Feb 2023
Greece World Cup captain Jordan Meads insists playing 11 internationals for the Titans exceeded his wildest dreams and he has no regrets about never playing an NRL match after announcing his retirement.
Meads, who won player-of-the-match after kicking an extra-time field goal to snatch a 31-31 win for the New Zealand Warriors in the 2011 NYC (U21s) grand final against North Queensland, has been a mainstay of the Greece team since 2014.
The 30-year-old halfback, who qualifies for Greece through his mother, helped the Titans to an historic World Cup berth and had the honour of leading the team against England, Samoa and France last October and November.
Photo: Greek players perform the national anthem (Getty Images)
"After 12 years, 200+ games, nine countries, 11 Test matches, less than 10 tackles over my whole career, and captaining my country at a Rugby League World Cup, it’s finally time to hang up the boots," Mead announced on social media.
"The game owes me nothing; I owe the game a lot. And without the game, I wouldn’t be half the man I am today.
"To everyone that I’ve ever shared the field with - thank you! Sometimes I let emotions get the better of me but it was all passion - and for the love of the game. I made so many good mates and brothers for life! All love."
Photo: Meads lands the winning field goal in the 2011 NYC grand final (NRL Photos)
After leaving the Warriors in 2012, Meads joined French club Sporting Oympique Avignon XIII before moving to Queensland, where he played for the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles and the Kawana Dolphins.
The Wellington-born playmaker also had a stint in England with Newcastle Thunder before returning to the Dolphins in 2015.
Meads, who penned a letter to his Greek grandparents on the day of each international he played for the Titans said representing the nation held a special place in his heart.
He hopes to continue his involvement in the game by coaching.
Photo: Meads in action during the World Cup (Getty Images)
"I always get asked if I regret not playing NRL. Not even a little bit," Meads said.
"I lived out all my dreams + some, and I’ll be forever thankful for what rugby league has given me in my life. The lessons, values, experiences, mate-ship. I leave with only awesome memories.
"It’s now time for family, my career, a half marathon, and to give back to the game I love, with a coaching career down the track."
