Warriors great Manu Vatuvei has announced his retirement from rugby league, a month after it was revealed a brain cyst had ended his prospects of a boxing career.
Vatuvei holds the club try-scoring record at the Warriors from a 14-year career at the club and played one season in the Super League with Salford.
He left Salford in 2018, having last taken the field in 2017.
The 33-year-old Kiwis veteran said on Instagram on Monday he was now ready to accept the time was right to retire.
"I wasn't ready to or accept that my time is up and can honestly say it’s been the tough and now I’m ready to accept and announce my retirement," Vatuvei wrote.
"…Just like to thank everyone that has supported me through my career.
"To all the fans thank you for always supporting me and all the kind messages over the years, I will always remember them and cherish it for the rest of my life…
"I know I've been one of those [players] that always have you on the edge of your seat whenever I played or [a] high ball comes my way hahaha, but I like to always try put a good performance for you every time I'm out there on the field."
Vatuvei scored 152 tries in 226 games for the Warriors, played 28 Test matches for New Zealand, two Tests for Tonga and represented the NRL All Stars three times.
