Covell calls it quits

Cronulla winger Luke Covell has announced his retirement from the game at the end of the current season.

The 28-year-old underwent radical knee surgery to fix a serious knee injury suffered in Cronulla’s round 4 clash with Parramatta.

Despite making a rapid return to action last month, New Zealand international Covell says he wants to end his career “on his terms”.

He said: “It was always in the back of my mind and I just couldn’t finish my career injured and be satisfied.

“I guess now, my body isn’t holding up as well as I would like.

“The mind is telling the body to do one thing, but the body isn’t exactly cooperating and with the game getting quicker and tougher, I think it’s the right time to move one and give some one else a shot.”

Covell, who joined the Sharks from Wests Tigers in 2003, collected the Dally M Pointscorer of the Year award in 2008, and topped 1000 career points at the end of last season.

He added: “I’m proud to say I played for the Cronulla Sharks and Wests Tigers, I’ve had a great time and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“The hardest thing about this decision was because of the culture we have here.

“I have had the chance to play with some great players and meet some great people and after what the Sharks have been through over the last couple of years, it’s been extraordinary.

“I’d like to thank my family, friends, the club and especially the supporters who have stayed loyal to the Sharks and given us so much support in some tough and trying times.

“It’s been a great journey and I definitely can’t complain at all.”