KNIGHTS hooker Slade Griffin has confirmed his retirement after a rollercoaster NRL career.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 28-year-old was unable to return after suffering a devastating knee injury in June last season, requiring his fourth bout of reconstructive surgery.
He had been hoping to launch a comeback late last season, after 12 months of extensive rehabiltation and physio, but specialists advised against it, warning him there was a high chance of recurrence.
Griffin joined Newcastle at the start of 2018, having played in 25 top-grade games for Melbourne, including their 2017 grand final victory against North Queensland.
He soon established himself as Newcastle's first-choice hooker and was rewarded mid-season with his debut Test call-up for New Zealand, playing off the bench against England in Denver.
A week later, in his 16th game for Newcastle, he suffered his career-ending injury playing against the Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium.
His left knee buckled underneath him and he was carried from the field on a medicab.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Griffin said: "Yes I have hung up the boots.
"Sadly I was forced to retire. I'm shattered the curtain has come down on what could have been. But I'm very grateful for what I was able to achieve. I'll be forever in debt to the game & people of rugby league. It threw some curve balls at me but I accomplished things I thought were only possible in dreams.
"I've been a part of some amazing experiences. Rubbed shoulders with child hood heroes & made lifelong friendships!!! From the bottom of my heart thank you to everyone involved with the @storm and @nrlknights. My loving family, friends & my beautiful bride to be.
"I hope I was able to make you proud."