Introduction
Ryan Bailey is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays for Warrington Wolves.
A Great Britain and England international representative prop forward, he played the majority of his club career at Leeds Rhinos, having won six Super League championships and three World Club Challenges with the club. He was granted a testimonial in 2014.
Playing career
Leeds Rhinos
Of Jamaican heritage, Bailey made his Super League début for Leeds in 2002 at age 18. In July 2003, Bailey was found guilty of brawling in the street in Leeds, and was sent to a young offenders' institution for 9 months.
Bailey played for the Leeds Rhinos at prop forward in their 2004 Super League Grand Final victory against the Bradford Bulls. He was then selected in the Great Britain team to compete in the end of season 2004 Rugby League Tri-Nations tournament. In the final against Australia Bailey played from the interchange bench in the Lions' 44-4 loss. On 23 December 2004 the Rugby Football League fined Bailey along with Leeds' teammate Keith Senior £1,500 each after they tested positive to the banned stimulant ephedrine.
As Super League IX champions, the Rhinos faced 2004 NRL season premiers, the Bulldogs in the 2005 World Club Challenge. Bailey played at prop forward in Leeds' 39-32 victory. He played for Leeds in the 2005 Challenge Cup final at prop forward in their loss against Hull FC. Bailey played for the Leeds Rhinos at prop forward in their 2005 Super League Grand Final loss against Bradford Bulls. He played in the 2008 Super League Grand Final victory over St. Helens.
Bailey played from the interchange bench for Leeds in the 2011 Challenge Cup final which was lost to Wigan.
In 2014, Leeds held a testimonial game for Bailey against London Broncos. On 8 May 2014 Ryan made his 300th career appearance for the Leeds Rhinos.
Hull KR
In 2015 he moved to Hull KR. He was not fit enough to play former club Leeds Rhinos in the opening game of the season but went on to score on his debut the week after. In March it was announced Bailey had been released because of personal issues after only playing one game for the club.
Castleford Tigers
A month later he joined the Castleford Tigers for the remainder of the season where he rejoined former coach Daryl Powell. He played 6 games and scored one try before being released at the end of the season.
Warrington Wolves
In November 2015 Warrington Wolves announced the signing of Bailey on a one-year contract for the 2016 season where he would play under Tony Smith again with whom he won 2 Grand Finals with at Leeds.
Honours
Club
- Super League (6): 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012
- World Club Challenge (3): 2005, 2008, 2012
- League Leader's Shield (2): 2004, 2009
- Challenge Cup (1): 2014