Tributes flow after Parramatta grand final player announces immediate retirement
On Thursday, the Eels announced the back-rower has made the decision to retire. Lane has accepted a new role at the club working in the Elite Pathways and NRLW programs, focusing on mental skills and athlete wellness.
'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,' said the Eels' General Manager of Football Mark O'Neill. '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 played 138 games for the Eels, including the grand final loss to Penrith in 2022. He was an integral part in the Parramatta team that stormed into that year's decider and fell narrowly short of the premiership.
'I've absolutely loved my time playing for the Eels,' Lane said. '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.
"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 our young athletes thrive on and off the field.'
Retirement continues period of change for Eels
The second-rower started his career at the Bulldogs in 2015, playing 14 games for the club. He made a lone appearance for the Warriors in 2016 before a two-year stint with Manly in 2017 and 2018. He then moved to Parramatta, where he enjoyed the best years of his career from 2019 to 2025.
His departure continues a period of change for the Eels, with new coach Jason Ryles prioritising youth over the club's veterans. A number of other players from the 2022 grand final have been granted releases this year, including Bryce Cartwright and Ryan Matterson.
Bailey Simonsson is also on the way out, while Dylan Brown is heading to Newcastle in 2026. Only three players from the 2022 grand final will still be at the club in 2026 - Mitchell Moses, Junior Paulo and Will Penisini.
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NRL fans full of praise for retiring Shaun Lane
Away from the field, Lane has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences, a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and is currently doing a Master's in Positive Psychology. He's been working with teammates at the Eels on the mental aspect of the game.
"I wasn't enjoying my footy… I was burnt out and struggling with injury," he told Wide World of Sports earlier this year. "The club have been great to me - they said 'Take as much time off as you need' and I started exploring other ways I could contribute. With my experience in the school of hard knocks, I feel I have a lot to offer."
Tributes have been flooding in for Lane, with many heaping accolades on the unsung hero. "Will never forget that 2022 from Lane. Best wishes for retirement mate," one fan wrote. Another added: "This looks like a great outcome for Shaun and the club."
Well done Shaun and the club, great move for all
— Faize (@Faize_01) August 14, 2025
Streets won't forget that 2022 run of form
— Max Hope (@mghopey) August 14, 2025
Thanks Shaun 💙💛
— Phillip Raso (@Phileel) August 14, 2025
All the best
— N Fair (@njwfairhurst) August 14, 2025
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