New Zealand Warriors captain Tohu Harris has announced he is ending his playing career with immediate effect.
The 234-game veteran was set for his 13th NRL campaign this year but said ongoing problems following off-season surgery on a wrist injury have forced him to step aside prematurely.
“I had high hopes of returning from the injury this year but I’m devastated I won’t get the chance to pull on the jersey again," Harris, 33, said in a story posted on the Warriors' website.
“I’m dealing with pain in everyday life as well as footy. My body has been feeling good in training but the reality is I can’t perform as a player with this injury.
“While it’s not easy finishing like this, I’m so grateful to the One New Zealand Warriors for the opportunities they’ve given me, for the chance to wear the jersey and to lead our great club, and also for the support we’ve had as a family.”
Warriors chief executive Cameron George described the news as "shattering for Tohu and his family as well as for our club and fans".
Harris ends his career with 117 appearances since joining the Warriors in 2018, the same number of games he played in his five seasons with Melbourne from 2013 to 2017.
“We all feel for him having to end his career this way but it will never take away from the exceptional contribution he has made to the club in every way through his deeds on the field and off it," George said.
“I’m indebted to him for the amazing work he did to rebuild the team during the tough times when we were isolated in Australia for three seasons.
“We’ll certainly miss the qualities he has provided with his leadership and playing ability and wish him, Nat and Harlan all the best for what lies ahead.”
Harris led the Warriors 52 times after first being appointed captain for the 2022 season, the last of those appearances being the 32-16 win over Brisbane at Go Media Stadium on June 29 last year.
“It’s a sad way for Tohu to go out but I just want to celebrate him,” said Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“You really don’t know how good a player is until you’ve coached him. I’d admired Tohu from afar throughout his career but when I returned to the club I got to admire him even more every day.
“I’m so grateful to have built a relationship with him and for the way he helped me so much in my transition as a head coach.”
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