Sydney Roosters winger Peni Tagive has announced his retirement from rugby league at just 24 years of age.

Since making his NRL debut in 2008 for the Wests Tigers, Tagive’s 18-game career has been punctuated by injury.

He played for St George Illawarra in 2011 and joined the Roosters ahead of the 2012 season.

The Fijian played five games for the Roosters before suffering a serious hamstring injury against Canterbury in round 12.

Tagive said he decided to retire in order to undertake fulltime university studies.

“I want to thank everyone at the club for their support through the year and for supporting the decision I have made for my future, as I look ahead to life after footy,” Tagive said in a statement on Wednesday.

“From the admin staff to the players and coaches, everyone’s been really good to me and I’ll still call the Roosters my family.”

Tagive was a member of the Newtown Jets grand final winning side in the NSW Cup on Sunday.

AAP jms/ash/bh