NRL 2021: Brisbane Broncos captain Alex Glenn calls it quits

After close to 300 appearances for the club, Broncos captain Alex Glenn has announced he will not be playing for Brisbane in 2022.

Glenn played his entire NRL career with the Broncos. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Brisbane Broncos captain Alex Glenn announced his decision to retire from the NRL in an emotional press conference on Thursday.

A member of the Broncos’ 2015 grand final side and the team’s captain since 2020, Glenn will run out in front of Brisbane fans for the last time in the round 25 clash with Newcastle.

The 33-year-old’s 282 appearances for the club make him the fourth-most capped Bronco of all time.

Only Darren Lockyer (right), Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday have played more games for the Broncos than Alex Glenn. Picture: David Kapernick

A consistent performer from the second row, Glenn represented both New Zealand and the Cook Islands at international level and said he would look back on his time at the Broncos fondly.

“At the end of 2021, I’m going to happily retire and hang the boots up” Glenn said on Thursday.

“It’s been 14 years that I’ve been putting my body on the line for this great club and to say that I’ll retire as a one-club man ... I can definitely hold my head high.”

"The #Bronxnation fans are so loyal, the support they've given me and my family ... I thank you much."#ThanksLex

— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) August 19, 2021

Glenn thanked those he worked with in his time at the club and was moved to tears as he addressed his partner, Jemma.

“From the bottom of my heart, Jem, I just want to say a big thank you,” he said.

“Thank you for supporting me each and every step of the way. Thank you for being the best mother my kids could ever have.

“I couldn’t be the person I am here, thank you for allowing me to do what I do and be the best person that I can be for this club.”

Glenn (centre) played 17 finals matches in his time with the Broncos. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

Head coach Kevin Walters added: “Lex has played at a very high standard for a long time and led by example on and off the field.

“To be so consistent week-in, week-out since making his debut in 2009 is an incredible effort.

“He’s a true clubman and will always be remembered for his pride and passion in the Broncos jersey.”

After the curtain comes down on his player career, Glenn will transition to an off-field role with the Broncos.

In announcing his retirement, Glenn becomes the latest in a series of Broncos to depart Red Hill in 2021.

The club parted ways with Tom Dearden, Tevita Pangai Jr., Matthew Lodge, Dale Copley and Reece Walsh mid-year and will farewell Brodie Croft, Xavier Coates and Anthony Milford at the season’s end.

Walters will hope the impending addition of Adam Reynolds, Kurt Capewell, Corey Jensen and Brenko Lee to the side’s roster can help the Broncos build on the improvement shown in the twilight of season 2021.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Brisbane Broncos captain Alex Glenn calls it quits