THE IMMINENT retirement of Rob Burrow will bring another era of greatness at Leeds Rhinos to a close.

The 34-year-old's decision to hang up his boots at the end of the season comes just a week after his long-term half-back partner Danny McGuire announced he will be leaving to relaunch his career with Hull KR.

It comes two years after Leeds bade a fond farewell to three other modern greats in Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai.

They bowed out in fitting fashion with victory in the 2015 Grand Final as the Rhinos completed the domestic treble and Burrow, who has missed the last six matches with a shoulder injury, hopes to recover from surgery in time to play a key role in their pursuit of the double.

The 5ft 5in Burrow, whose small stature has always been in sharp contrast to his big heart, has spent his entire 17-year playing career with Leeds and will be staying on at Headingley to take on a role in the club's player performance department.

"It has been an honour to play for Leeds my entire career and I feel now is the right time to move on to the next chapter in my career," Burrow explained.

"I have been part of so many fantastic memories down the years and hopefully we can create a few more in the months ahead before I hang up my boots.

"Player development is something that has always interested me having worked with the scholarship for many years earlier in my career and seen players like Stevie Ward, Liam Sutcliffe and Ashton Golding come through from being schoolboys to first-team players.

"Hopefully I can pass on my experience and love of the club to the next generation in my new role."

Burrow, who was born in Pontefract, came through the Leeds academy to make his debut in 2001 and in 2007 won the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match in the Grand Final.

He also performed at the highest level for Great Britain in the Test series against New Zealand where he was named player of the tournament.

He went on to win a second Harry Sunderland Trophy among a total of seven Grand Final triumphs as well as three World Club Challenges, three League Leaders' Shields and two Challenge Cups. He is fifth in the all-time list of appearances for the club with 486.

Leeds coach Brian McDermott said: "Rob will be remembered as one of the greats of our game, not just in the Super League era but throughout the history of the sport.

"He is someone who never gave into the doubts of others early in his career and has continued to strive for excellence ever since.

"His role within the team has changed over the past 15 years but his selfless attitude has meant he has always put the needs of the team ahead of his own preferences and has collected a host of silverware in return.

"Rob is one of the most popular members of our squad and I am delighted he will still be in and around the training ground next season after retirement.

"Just as Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Kylie Leuluai, and most recently Danny McGuire, have forged their own paths post-rugby, they always know that there is a place for them at the Rhinos.

"Away from the field, Rob and Danny have been exemplary professionals and ambassadors for our club and it is fitting that they will both bow out together this year."