Veteran Newcastle Knights playmaker Blake Green has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league.
Green told Knights officials and teammates of his decision to end his career early after struggling for form since returning from a knee reconstruction.
Green 34, made his NRL debut for the Parramatta Eels in 2007 and went on to play 270 professional games over 14 seasons in Australia and England, including Super League and Challenge Cup titles with Wigan and a minor premiership win with the Melbourne Storm in 2016.
He played for seven NRL clubs - the Eels, Sharks, Bulldogs, Storm, Manly, Warriors and Knights - during his career playing 181 top grade games.
He linked with the Knights mid-season last year after gaining a release from the Warriors but suffered a severe knee injury in just his third appearance for the club.
He underwent a knee reconstruction towards the end of last season and was hoping to have a swansong year at the Knights this year but has struggled since he returned to the field. He finished playing just nine games for Newcastle.
"I can still see everything clearly on the field and know where I need to be, but unfortunately my body stopped getting there," Green said in a statement.
"I'm always honest with myself, my teammates and our staff. It hurt, but once I knew retirement was the right call I owed it to everyone to do it as quickly as possible for the betterment of our football club."
Green praised those who helped him during his career.
"I want to thank all of my coaches and teammates, as well as the football staff and administrators, who have helped me live out my childhood dream," he said.
"My mum and dad have been phenomenal. Ever since I was a kid they have always been there for me and provided every opportunity for me to succeed. I will never be able to thank them enough.
"My wife Sarah has been right by my side since we were teenagers, providing love and support throughout my entire career. More recently my kids, Boston and Sadie, have brought unending joy and laughter. They will only understand when they are older how much they have brought to our lives.
"Moving forward I have a strong desire to remain involved in rugby league and I'm excited to see how that plays out. For now though, my immediate focus will be spending time with my family and enjoying the little things together.
