Former NRL prop announces immediate retirement

Drew Darbyshire 29 Nov 2019 12:44 PM

Ex-Penrith Panthers prop Sam McKendry has retired from playing professional rugby league.

The 30-year-old made 147 appearances for the Panthers between 2008-18, while also earning eight caps for New Zealand.

Although he will not play professionally, McKendry will continue playing for St Marys Rugby League Club in 2020.

He said: “In 2007, I left my family back home in New Zealand and made the move to Penrith with a dream to play NRL.

“I’ve spent the last 13 years with the (the Panthers) doing what I love as a job and got to live out my dream.

“I’m proud to retire as a one-club player and I thank everyone both past and present at the Penrith Panthers for their guidance and support over the years. Also, I give a massive thank you to everyone who has followed my journey along the way.

“My career didn’t end as I planned due to consecutive ACL injuries but I never let injury force me into medical retirement and fought back each time to retire on my own terms. It’s been one hell of a journey and it wasn’t always easy but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

View this post on Instagram

Today I’m hanging up the boots and announcing my retirement from Rugby League. It’s taken me a while to make this decision but I’m finally content and ready to move onto the next chapter of my life. In 2007 I left my family back home in New Zealand and made the move to Penrith with a dream to play NRL. I worked hard and was lucky enough to get my debut and later play for @nzmaorirugbyleague and @nzrugbyleague . I’ve spent the last 13 years with the @penrithpanthers doing what I love as a job and got to live out my dream. I’m proud to retire as a one club player and I thank everyone both past and present at the Penrith Panthers for their guidance and support over the years. Also a massive thank you to everyone who has followed my journey along the way. My career didn’t end as I planned due to consecutive ACL injuries but I never let injury force me into medical retirement and fought back each time to retire on my own terms. Its been one hell of a journey and it wasn’t always easy but I wouldn’t change a thing. I wouldn’t of got this far without the support of my team mates, family and friends and I’m very thankful. To my wife you have stuck by me on this roller coaster and kept me on track and given me three beautiful children. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you and I can’t wait to see what the future has planned for us. Looking back over the years I’ve had a good career and I’m proud of the achievements I’ve made, I’m happy and healthy so that’s the main thing. My footy days aren’t completely over and I’ve agreed to play with St Marys Rugby League Club for 2020. Looking forward to having a run around with the boys. Keep chasing your dreams and never give up. Thanks for the memories – Sam.

A post shared by Sam McKendry (@sam_mckendry) on Nov 28, 2019 at 3:36pm PST

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