A pre-season injury has forced Newcastle Knights utility Rory Kostjasyn to retire from rugby league.
The 30-year-old joined the Knights at the end of last year, but he never got the opportunity to pull on the red and blue jersey.
Kostjasyn copped an arm to the throat during a training session in January and had to be hospitalised.
He has since had multiple surgeries on his throat to repair the damage, but the injury has significantly narrowed his airway.
Kostjasyn made the tough decision to retire on medical advice and his inability to exercise at the level required.
He said it had been a difficult time since he suffered the injury.
"The first couple of weeks initially after the injury I couldn't speak at all, so you can imagine how difficult that was, not only on me but on my partner," he said.
"So we've had tough times over the last seven months but it could be worse."
Kostjasyn disappointed he never got to pull on Knights jersey
Kostjasyn won a premiership with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2015, and said while he was disappointed he would not play again, he had had a good career.
"I've been very fortunate for a very average footballer. I've had some above average highlights in my career so I can't be disappointed," he said.
Growing up on the central coast of New South Wales, Kostjasyn had always wanted to play for the Knights.
"There's a lot of times throughout my career that I tried to get to the Knights but it just didn't happen, it wasn't the right time," he said.
"Now I'm finally here I won't get to pull on the red and blue jersey."
Life after football
Kostjasyn will not be lost to the game, with the utility player to remain at the club.
"Next year I will be coaching the under 16s and overseeing our league pathways kids with Scotty Dureau, and I will also be in and around first grade one or two days a week," he said.
"The plan was to play for another three to four years and this is just how it's worked out.
"It's disappointing I'm not going to play footy, but I'm very happy I'll still be involved in footy and very grateful to the Knights and their support for me and this next phase."
