Cronulla’s Kyle Stanley has retired from the NRL at just 24 due to persistent knee problems.
The Sharks utility, who didn’t play for the club this season due to a knee injury, made the announcement on Friday.
“Only being 24 years old obviously this isn’t the way I dreamt of finishing my football career but due to countless injuries and after five full knee reconstructions it was the recommendation of my surgeon that I should retire,” Stanley said.
“He didn’t feel my body was fit to play football again.
“It has been a tough few months coming to terms with it all but after great support from my family and people around me I am extremely optimistic and positive moving into the future and beginning the next chapter of my life.”
Stanley played 46 games for St George Illawarra from 2010-14.
The former NSW “Blues in waiting” player played nine matches for the Dragons last season and was a part of the Samoan squad for their Four Nations campaign.