Cronulla Sharks prop Andrew Fifita Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tongan rugby league player and Cronulla Sharks forward Andrew Fifita has announced his retirement.
"I have made the hard decision to announce my retirement from the NRL," the 33-year-old Fifita said in a statement.
"I am extremely grateful for all the milestones and memories I have made. I can retire knowing I've fulfilled everything I had dreamed of achieving."
Australian media is quoting Fifita as saying the sport has taken its toll on his body and an examination with the Sharks doctor revealed exactly what shape he was in.
"The MRI showed I could keep playing, but I would need to push through a fair few things that my body needs to work on," he told the Daily Telegraph.
NRL.com reports Fifita's career spans 13 years which included 250 NRL matches and playing at international level for both Tonga (10 caps) and Australia (seven caps).
Fifita was instrumental in delivering Cronulla its maiden Premiership in 2016, having previously played 39 games for the Wests Tigers (2010-11) prior to his move to the Sharks in 2012.
He announced he will retire knowing he's fulfilled everything he wanted to do.
Sharks Coach Craig Fitzgibbon says that Fifita was an amazing club man who cared about the Sharks and its players.
Fifita is not involved with Tonga's Rugby League World Cup campaign in England.
Andrew Fifita, (left) and Tevita Pangai Junior celebrate a win during the 2017 World Cup Photo: PHOTOSPORT
