Thank you Blackhawks #30 – Kyle Laybutt
Thursday, January 16, 2025
After 7 years in the Black and Green, Kyle Laybutt has decided to call it time on his QCup Career.
Kyle has been a valuable part of the Mendi Blackhawks. He was the first player in Mendi Blackhawks history to play 100 games for the club over the course of his career.
As the 2019 Best Back and the 2022 Players Player of the Year, Kyle was very much involved in the club and the playing group around him, many of which look up to him as a player. He was the captain of the HPC team in 2024 and he lead the boys both on and off the field as a true leader would.
” It’s taken me a few months to make the decision, I think after the Pacific Championships this year and talking to my friends and family I kind of made the call. A lot of people think I’ve probably given it up too early, or they think I’ve got a few more years left in me, but I’ve gotten through my footy career unscaved, and I’m content with what I’ve achieved. Obviously, winning a premiership at Cup level is probably something I wish I could have achieved and didn’t, obviously you can’t always get what you want in footy.” – Kyle Laybutt said.
“It was a huge part of my career getting to play alongside Busty—first as housemates, and later with him becoming the godfather of my son. I’m incredibly proud of what he achieved in the sport. He represented his family at the highest level and played for his people, both for PNG and the Indigenous All Stars. He was probably the most dominant defender against a halfback I’ve ever seen, and I don’t think many people can argue with that, especially the Fiji National Team. I know it’s never an easy decision retiring for any player especially someone who loves the sport as much as him but I wish him all the best for the future and look forward to seeing what he does next.” – Jaelen Feeney said.
We wish Kyle the very best in his next chapter of life and we will miss having him around in the Green and Black. Thank you Blackhawks Player, Kyle Laybutt #30
