Sika Manu calls time on his career

Drew Darbyshire 29 Aug 2019 9:19 AM

Hull FC forward Sika Manu will retire from rugby league at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old has made over 250 career appearances for Melbourne Storm, Penrith Panthers and Hull.

Manu earned 14 caps for New Zealand and 13 for Tonga on the international stage.

He said: “It was an extremely hard decision to make because I have had an enjoyable career, especially my time here at Hull, but I feel that the time is right to hang up the boots.

“When you give your all on the field every week, giving 110%, it certainly takes its toll on your body and I have been feeling the effects of it on the training field this season.

“Hopefully I will be able to give the supporters one last treat before I retire. We’re still in with a chance of making the play-offs and potentially going on towards the Grand Final, so that is the aim for the rest of the season and I will give my absolute all to help the team get there.

“I’m not worried about myself. I’m more concerned about rewarding the club and the fans who have looked after me so well in the four years that I have been here.”

Hull coach Lee Radford added: “I think he is one of the best signings the club has made in the modern era and it will be sad to see him leave.

“I’m sure he’ll be sorely missed when he leaves us at the end of the season, leaving a similar sort of legacy as Mark Minichiello will do when he retires at the end of the year too.”

Manu has won an NRL title, two Challenge Cups, a World Cup and a Four Nations tournament.