Injuries force Newcastle cult hero Ross to retire

The colourful career of Newcastle Knights outside back Nathan Ross has come to an end after recently informing teammates he would be medically retiring from the NRL.

Ross, a cult hero at the Knights since debuting as a 27-year-old in 2015, hasn’t played in the NRL since round 20 last year and is in the process of finalising a medical retirement given his inability to participate at an elite level.

He has been struggling since undergoing groin surgery, and hasn’t been able to get back to full fitness to challenge for a position in the top side.

The 30-year-old will retire with 23 tries to his name from his 60 appearances for the Knights, with the NRL to undergo an examination to determine whether he will be medically retired.

Ross had been shopped around over the off-season and had been linked with a move to the Super League, however decided to remain at the Knights given his contract didn’t expire until the end of 2020.

The arrivals of Edrick Lee and Jesse Ramien over the summer meant Ross would struggle to crack it for a spot in the top 17, however he couldn't get back to full fitness.

After last Friday's loss to the Raiders in Canberra, the Knights are 1-2 heading into Sunday's home game against St George Illawarra.