- Warriors captain Tohu Harris has surprised the football world
- Kiwi has played 234 NRL matches and 16 Tests for his country.
New Zealand Warriors captain Tohu Harris has shocked the football world by announcing his sudden retirement.
The 33-year-old veteran of 234 NRL games was thought to be on track to retain the captaincy after missing much of last season due to a wrist injury, but has told the club he cannot continue after from surgery on the joint. was not successful.
His shock announcement comes after the club lost another long-time star, Shaun Johnson, who is set to retire in 2024.
Harris was only able to play in 14 games last year due to the injury and said he was devastated not to be able to return to the field.
“I had high hopes of returning from the injury this year, but I am devastated that I will not have the opportunity to recover from the injury again,” he said in a statement released by the club on Thursday morning.
‘I’m dealing with pain in everyday life and also in football.
Tohu Harris (pictured with wife Natalie at the 2023 Dally M Awards) made the heartbreaking decision to retire early due to a painful injury.
The 33-year-old has been forced to call time on his career after a wrist ailment did not respond to surgery.
“My body has felt good in training, but the reality is that I cannot perform as a player with this injury.
“Although it is not easy to end like this, I am very grateful to the One New Zealand Warriors for the opportunities they have given me, for the chance to wear the shirt and lead our great club, and also for the support we receive.” I have had like family.
Harris began his first grade career with the Melbourne Storm in 2013, recording 117 appearances for the club before moving to the Auckland-based team in 2018, and making 117 appearances for them.
He played 16 Tests for New Zealand from 2013 to 2016, scoring two tries, played for the Maori All Stars in 2019 and had a career highlight when he was part of the Melbourne Storm team that won the 2017 grand final.
“It’s devastating for Tohu and his family, as well as for our club and our fans,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said after the news broke.
“I am indebted to him for the incredible work he did to rebuild the team during the difficult times when we were isolated in Australia (due to the Covid pandemic) for three seasons.”