Knights prop Kade Snowden has announced his retirement from rugby league due a neck injury.
Having played limited minutes in the opening round of the season, Snowden wasn't sighted again in first grade as he battled ongoing injury concerns.
"It has been a tough year not being able to contribute to the team but my body just couldn't do it anymore," Snowden said via a club statement.
"A number of injuries, but primarily my neck, have forced an early retirement from the game that has been my whole life."
Snowden represented New South Wales and Australia during his 12-year, 174-game NRL career and said while he would have loved to have been a one-club player after debuting for Newcastle in 2005, his decision to move to Cronulla benefited him in the long-term.
"I know I was a better person and player for moving away and coming back to the Knights," he added.
"[But] I was so happy I was able to play my last couple of years at the Knights.
"To have my family and friends support me every week and to represent Newcastle meant the world, even though it has been cut short."
The Knights also announced on Friday afternoon that forward Robbie Rochow had also potentially played his final game in blue and red, with the local junior to depart the club at season's end.
Studying civil engineering in Sydney, the move will allow Rochow to further focus on his studies.
"It was obviously a tough decision to leave the Knights but one that I felt was for the best," Rochow said.
"The club has been great to me but it feels like the right time to step outside my comfort zone.
"I still have a lot to improve on in my game and going to a Club with senior players was a factor in my decision.
"Being in Sydney will help with where I am up to with my degree and a priority is working hard to complete that as soon as possible."
Both Snowden and Rochow will be farewelled at Newcastle's Round 25 clash with South Sydney as part of the Old Boys Day celebrations.
