Premiership-winning Kiwi international Gerard Beale has posted a heartfelt message on social media to call time on his career.
The Warriors veteran announced he would be calling it quits on Instagram after a 12-year NRL career highlighted by his role in Cronulla's historic grand final win over Melbourne in 2016.
After making his debut at Brisbane in 2009, he played 63 matches for the Broncos for four seasons before making 30 appearances in a two-season stop at St George Illawarra.
Beale joined the Sharks in 2015, racking up 71 games for the club, including the 2016 premiership decider, coming off the bench in the second half when winger Sosaia Feki was injured.
He joined the Warriors in 2018, adding a further 32 matches to his tally to finish his career with 194 at Telstra Premiership level.
Beale also represented the Kiwis 11 times in the Test arena.
In his farewell post, he wrote: "THE END OF AN ERA! Wow! What a ride the past 12 years have been. So many have only dreamed of playing in the NRL let alone playing for 12 years.
"I will be forever grateful to the many people I have met throughout my career. To my mum and dad for the time they spent taking me to all my trainings and games when I was young, to the Broncos who gave me the opportunity to debut in 2009, to the Dragons, Sharks, and Warriors, and all the coaches, managers and team mates I have crossed paths with, I say thank you!
"Throughout my career I have been through it all, injury after injury, set back after set back. I had moments of self doubt but I pushed through. Mentally it was tough but also rewarding. I am proud that in these 12 years through all the injuries and set backs I persevered and was able to not only keep playing but win a premiership, represent my culture and my country.
"With all that said, and as emotional as this decision has been. I am proud to announce my retirement from the NRL."
Beale thanked his wife Roi and their kids for "riding this emotional roller coaster with me".
"You have always put my dream of playing in the NRL before your own, I am and will always be forever grateful! I am excited for the next chapter with you all by my side."
Beale hinted that although his NRL career was coming to a close, he may appear in the Intrust Super Cup next year.
