William “Bubba” Kennedy finally considers retirement from bush footy at age 50

One of country rugby league’s greatest careers could end this season with the legendary William ‘Bubba’ Kennedy weighing up retirement at age 50.

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One of country rugby league’s greatest careers could end this season with the legendary William ‘Bubba’ Kennedy weighing up retirement.

Kennedy could play a 22nd season of bush footy at age 50 this year.

It’s a remarkable record given he also played 61 games for the Balmain Tigers prior to his eight-club country rugby league journey.

Kennedy considered playing reserve grade with Bathurst St Pat’s in the Group 10 competition this season but he opted against it.

He has also attended a number of Blayney Bears games to watch his brother-in-law Steve Lane play but he is yet to don the boots.

Twenty one years after he left the NRL, Kennedy’s career might be over.

“But you wouldn’t know with Bubba – I reckon he could still run around,” Lane told Bush Beat.

“I called him a couple of weeks ago and he came out and watched us play at Blayney.

“I threw him a few hints recently that we needed a centre but he is still thinking about it.

“It is still up in the air - he doesn’t know what he is doing.

“He did the same thing with Cargo last year. He waited a few games and then decided to play but I’ve left the decision up to him.

“I think all it could take is the coach asking him to play and he will turn up.”

If Kennedy opts to retire, it will give him more time to follow the progress of his rising son.

Will Kennedy is considered one of Cronulla’s best talents.

He has made two NRL appearances for the Sharks this season after starring in the club’s lower grade ranks.

Kennedy played 61 games across three seasons for the Tigers.

Kennedy junior is unlikely to play big minutes with stars Matt Moylan, Josh Dugan and Sosaia Feki ahead of him in the pecking order.

This hasn’t stopped ‘Bubba’ contemplating hanging up the boots to place family first.

Should Kennedy hang up the boots, he will go down as one of bush footy’s finest footballers.

In stints with the likes of the Lithgow Workies, Orange CYMS, Mudgee Dragons and Cargo, he scored tries for fun.

He also starred on the representative stage with Western Division and NSW Country.

Lane believes Kennedy will be remembered in the rugby league record books as arguably the best player the bush as ever seen.

“Bubba is a legend and he will certainly be missed.”