York Knights’ Paul Vaughan told BBC Radio York after calling time on his 13-year professional career:
“It’s a very weird, indescribable feeling of just elation. I feel so content, so lucky, and so privileged.
“When I was a kid, I just dreamt about playing rugby professionally. To play over 300 games and to do everything I’ve done – it’s quite surreal.
“Logically, it was the right decision to go back [to Australia]. This year, I’ve played great footy. I’m 35, I feel great, but I just couldn’t do another year without my girls.
“The years that the girls are at at the moment are really special and I don’t want to miss that.
“I’m finishing on my terms which is really special. It’s just a feeling of happiness, it’s cool.”
On his drop-goal: “We spoke about the drop-goal, Macca [Paul McShane] and I before the game. I wanted the right post because I’m a right-footer. It was just elation. I’ve never kicked one in my life.”
Bradford Bulls coach Kurt Haggerty told BBC Radio Leeds:
“It is very difficult to put into words how I feel. I found it very difficult addressing the team with a lot of players in the dressing room that won’t be here next year.
“It’s been a roller-coaster. Tonight is going to leave a sour taste in my mouth which is going to drive me through pre-season next year.”
On finishing bottom: “I didn’t want the tag for the club. I don’t want to make excuses, I’m not that type of coach.
“I work for a fantastic club. It’s almost felt like Salford at times with injuries. Ultimately, we’ve just not had enough quality to win games.”
York: Mata’afa; Jones-Bishop, Galeano, Wood, Nofoaluma; Hunter, Harris; Va’a, McShane, Vaughan, Dee, Field, Thompson.
Interchanges: Balmforth, Hingano, Martin, Foster.
Sin-bin: Galeano (13 mins).
Bradford: Aekins; Okunbor, Russell, Blake, Wynne; Dean, Atkin; Sutton, Ackers, Scurr, Gardiner, Steinwede, Mellor.
Interchanges: Gill, Peposhi, Ruan, Marsters.
Referee: Chris Kendall.
