Luckless hooker Slade Griffin has posted a heartfelt message on Instagram to announce his retirement.
The 28-year-old Newcastle forward, who also played for Melbourne, has battled several knee injuries over the past few years and was forced to undergo four reconstructive operations.
"I have hung up the boots. Sadly I was forced to retire. I’m shattered the curtain has come down on what could have been," he wrote.
"But I’m very grateful for what I was able to achieve. I’ll be forever in debt to the game & people of rugby league. It threw some curve balls at me but I accomplished things I thought were only possible in dreams.
"I’ve been a part of some amazing experiences. Rubbed shoulders with child hood heroes & made lifelong friendships!!! From the bottom of my heart thank you to everyone involved with the @stormand @nrlknights. My loving family, friends & my beautiful bride to be. I hope I was able to make you proud."
Griffin made his NRL debut in 2013, playing 10 games, but had to wait three years before getting any more Telstra Premiership appearances with the Storm, playing just one game in 2016.
He established himself with 14 games in 2017, coming off the bench in Melbourne's grand final win over North Queensland, before linking with the Knights, making 16 appearances for the club the following season.
Griffin also represented New Zealand in one Test that year, the loss to England in Denver.
His 2019 campaign was cruelled by yet another knee operation but he was able to help the Knights as a trainer during matches.
Griffin's last match was in round 16 in 2018 when he ruptured his ACL and tore his meniscus in a horrific mishap while passing the ball to Herman Ese'ese for a try against the Bulldogs.
