Knee injuries force NRL forward Slade Griffin into retirement

Drew Darbyshire 14 Nov 2019 8:16 AM

New Zealand international Slade Griffin has been forced into early retirement due to several knee injuries.

The 28-year-old hooker had battled a number of knee injuries in recent years and has undergone four reconstructive operations.

Griffin made 42 appearances in the NRL for Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights, as well as earning one cap for New Zealand which came against England in Denver.

On instagram, he wrote: “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 and 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 – I’ve rubbed shoulders with childhood heroes and made lifelong friendships! From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone involved with the Storm and Knights, my loving family, friends and beautiful bride to be. I hope I was able to make you proud.”

View this post on Instagram

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 ✌️

A post shared by Slade Griffin (@sladegriffin) on Nov 13, 2019 at 12:15am PST

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