Injury forces Graham to retire

North Queensland winger Ashley Graham‘s career is over, after it was revealed he needs season-ending surgery on his wrist.

Graham, 29, had already announced the 2013 season would be his last, but the reconstructive surgery he requires next week will bring an even earlier end to his NRL career.

After originally sustaining the injury in the pre-season, the winger played through the pain for most of the year before the ligament damage became too much.

“It’s a shame to end up the season early but unfortunately it can’t be avoided,” Graham said on Tuesday.

“I’m finishing up my career content with what I’ve achieved.

“I think I’ve got as much out of my body as I can.”

Graham, who previously played for Parramatta, played 161 games for the Cowboys and was the club’s player of the year in 2011.

The Queenslander finishes his 202-game career with an impressive total of 102 NRL tries.