WHEN Richie Myler first embarked in a career in rugby over 15 years ago, reaching 400 career appearances seemed a distant prospect.

But that will be the reality if he is selected to play for York Knights in this afternoon's AB Sundecks 1895 Cup quarter final against Oldham.

The 33-year-old has become a household name after spending the majority of his career in the sport’s top flight, where he turned out for Salford, Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos before his shock move to the Knights last year.

He made 145 appearances for Wire between 2010-15 and a further 134 for Leeds from 2018-2023.

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Myler admits that he did not realise that last weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup fourth round tie against Sheffield Eagles was his 399th career appearance, and that he did not ever envision reaching such a milestone during the early stages of his association with the sport.

However, rather than focusing on such an achievement, he just wants the Knights to leave themselves one win from Wembley with victory against the Roughyeds.

“I don’t think that anyone does,” he candidly reflected. “I always just say that when you’re getting through big numbers it just means that you’re getting that bit older!

“I think that it was 300 Super League games that I hit last year, and that was a big milestone. I thought that was a big one.

“But to hit 400 actual career appearances, I didn’t realise that I was that close to it until a couple of weeks ago.

“There are not many people who go over a certain figure of games, it’s quite an achievement to do that. And I’ve played for some very big teams in some very big matches which I’m very proud of.

“But just as long as we get the win.”

York Press: Myler has played for Widnes Vikings, Salford, Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons, Leeds Rhinos and the Knights across his illustrious career.Myler has played for Widnes Vikings, Salford, Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons, Leeds Rhinos and the Knights across his illustrious career. (Image: Martin Rickett/PA)

The Widnes-born half-back made his debut for his hometown club in 2007, before scoring 25 tries in 32 appearances as he helped Salford to the National League One title the following year.

And his rise up the ranks continued in 2009, when he became the most expensive teenage signing in rugby league history after agreeing a four-year contract with Warrington worth an estimated £200,000.

During his time with Wire, he won the 2012 Challenge Cup, before suffering back-to-back Grand Final defeats to Leeds and Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.

But despite now embarking on his 18th season in rugby league, Myler’s passion and enthusiasm for the game still emanates from him.

“There’s a lot of memories and stress and everything gone into those 17 or 18 years of playing,” he reflected.

“But the beauty that I’ve always had is that I love playing rugby league - no matter if it’s been hard times through injury, if it’s been successes or winning cups - I’ve always loved the feeling just before you go out and play.

“Those 20 or 25 minutes when you’re sat in the changing room , that adrenaline rush and that nervous energy. I think that the day that stops will be the day that I’ll actually decide to say that’s enough.

“But I’ve been fortunate because every game, I pretty much feel that way just before I go out, the adrenaline kicks in and you get to run out there and run head-first into people for a living.”

Whilst it is undoubtedly a struggle for Myler to choose his favourite games across that time, among his standouts are his debut for Widnes, three unsuccessful trips to the Theatre of Dreams, a spectacular England debut and winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley.

But the one that will stick with him forever is the part he played in Rob Burrow’s Testimonial Match.

“That moment for me epitomises what this sport is about,” he said.

“I don’t think I’ll ever play a part in a game when the bigger picture means more than the actual match.

“I got subbed off for Rob Burrow. I gave him a hug as he came on, and I don’t think that I’ll ever, ever, no matter what happens in rugby, forget that game.

"It was a pretty special moment.”