PNG cult hero Kyle Laybutt announces retirement from elite rugby league

The former Cowboys playmaker is only 29 years old but said the time was right to draw the curtains on his Queensland Cup and international football career.

North Queensland Cowboys player Zac Laybutt with brother Kyle Laybutt of the Townsville Blackhawks for Papua New Guinea during the 2023 Pacific Championship. Picture: NRL Imagery

Papua New Guinea international captain Kyle Laybutt has retired from elite rugby league but revealed his intention to play on locally in Townsville for years to come.

The former Cowboys playmaker, who stood in for Johnathan Thurston during two matches in the 2017 State of Origin period, is only 29 years old but said the time was right to draw the curtains on his Queensland Cup and international football career.

“I took a fair bit of time to make my decision,” Laybutt told this masthead.

“I’d been talking throughout the year to people close to me, family and friends, and after the Pacific Championships I made that decision with everyone’s blessing.

“It’s a fine line because you can always go (playing) one year too many. I spoke to the Blackhawks and they fully respected my decision.”

(L-R) Alex Johnston, North Queensland Cowboys player Zac Laybutt with brother Kyle Laybutt of the Townsville Blackhawks and Rhyse Martin for Papua New Guinea during the 2023 Pacific Championship. Picture: NRL Imagery

Laybutt became the first player to bring up 100 Queensland Cup matches for Townsville in June but will not be lost to rugby league in the district.

The defection of close mate Shaun Nona from Souths to Brothers has opened up the No.7 jersey at Townsville’s defending A Grade champions.

“While my body is still in reasonable shape I have a few more years to give, especially at local footy,” Laybutt said.

2024 Indigenous All Star Kyle Laybutt with Nyah Joyce, 6. Picture: Evan Morgan

“I want to give back to my community and Souths were a club I’ve had a bit to do with. I’m going to learn into that a bit more and give back with coaching some junior teams.”

Laybutt said he could not begrudge Nona’s decision and voiced his readiness to step into the shoes of 2024’s Dr Rod Ward medal-winner for the district’s best and fairest player.

“I did speak with Shauny before he made his decision. We had the chat and I respect his decision. I’m happy for him.

Blackhawks Kyle Laybutt in action during the 2024 season. Picture: Evan Morgan

“That (his old jersey) is probably something I’m going to have to step into.

“We have a few other good halves that we’re excited about, hopefully I can mentor them and take a back seat at times.”

Souths’ reserve grade team swept to a 42-24 grand final victory over the Burdekin to complete the senior men’s double in 2024.

Halfback Jayk Raikaki scored two tries in the victory, days after being crowned the division’s player of the year.

Uncertainty is also brewing over the 2025 plans for A Grade five-eighth Patrick Gallen, whose return to Cairns to join the Northern Pride may have been scuttled by an injured foot.

Souths senior president Andy Walters said the club was in a holding pattern as it waited for news on whether Gallen’s northern move would still go ahead given the playmaker’s health concerns.

If that deal falls through Souths’ playmaking depth, at one point under siege with the losses of Nona and Xavier Hellyer - would remain one of the competition’s healthiest.

Walters said Souths had been quiet on the recruitment front, with one new arrival to be announced soon.

Originally published as PNG cult hero Kyle Laybutt announces retirement from elite rugby league