Stalwarts Alistair Leak and Lucas Walshaw leave ‘big boots to fill’ at Batley Bulldogs

Batley Bulldogs stalwarts Alistair Leak and Lucas Walshaw have left “big boots to fill” after their retirement from rugby league.

The duo called time on the game at the end of the 2026 campaign following the Bulldogs’ play-off elimination at Sheffield Eagles.

Batley Bulldogs stalwart Alistair Leak has retired from rugby league. Here he is scoring one of his most important tries for the club in the 1895 Cup semi-final win at York. Photo by Paul Butterfield.

placeholder image — Batley Bulldogs stalwart Alistair Leak has retired from rugby league. Here he is scoring one of his most important tries for the club in the 1895 Cup semi-final win at York. Photo by Paul Butterfield.

Leak played at Mount Pleasant for an incredible 14 seasons, while Walshaw, who started out at Super League side Wakefield, represented the club for seven years.

And head coach James Ford is sad to see them retire from the game.

“I have absolutely loved coaching them,” he revealed. “They are two incredibly different personalities. I have loved meeting them and getting to know them, and I am sure I will be in touch with them both whenever we need them and I am sure they will help us with whatever we are doing.

“They have been great for Batley. Coming into Batley you realise how much better they are than what you think when you coach against them. They have been great players and I wish them all the best in retirement.

“I have really enjoyed this year with them. I am just sorry they went out on that last 20 minutes at Sheffield. I am gutted for them.”

Asked how difficult it would be to replace them, Ford answered: “Incredibly. The player market has changed significantly over the last ten years. There aren’t many Lucas Walshaw’s and Alistair Leak’s knocking about that aren’t in a Super League environment.

Lucas Walshaw has also hung up his boots. Photo by Paul Butterfield.

“We will have to work really hard to find replacements and I am sure we will have to work really hard to develop those replacements to make sure they fill their boots as they are big boots to fill.”

As two stalwarts leave the sport, and Batley, one club legend is set to remain with Dane Manning signing for another year.

Ford said: “Dane has been great. He is an old school player with an incredible high level of fitness, endeavour, aggression and commitment to the cause.

“Having him on board for next year is a huge boost to us as a team and a club, and I know the supporters will be absolutely buzzing that Dane is staying with us.”