‘It hurt’: NRL veteran announces retirement

Newcastle Knights playmaker Blake Green has announced his retirement from professional rugby league, effective immediately.

The 34-year-old announced his decision on Tuesday, revealing last weekend’s match against the North Queensland Cowboys would be his last in the NRL.

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In announcing the decision, Green conceded his body wasn’t capable of playing at a first-grade standard anymore.

“I can still see everything clearly on the field and know where I need to be, but unfortunately my body stopped getting there,” Green said in a statement.

“I’m always honest with myself, my teammates and our staff. It hurt, but once I knew retirement was the right call I owed it to everyone to do it as quickly as possible for the betterment of our football club.

Blake Green of the Newcastle Knights.Source:Getty Images

“I want to thank all of my coaches and teammates, as well as the football staff and administrators, who have helped me live out my childhood dream.

“My Mum and Dad have been phenomenal. Ever since I was a kid they have always been there for me and provided every opportunity for me to succeed. I will never be able to thank them enough.

“My wife Sarah has been right by my side since we were teenagers, providing love and support throughout my entire career. More recently my kids, Boston and Sadie, have brought unending joy and laughter. They will only understand when they are older how much they have brought to our lives.

“Moving forward I have a strong desire to remain involved in rugby league and I’m excited to see how that plays out. For now though, my immediate focus will be spending time with my family and enjoying the little things together.

“I am thankful to all of the wonderful people in Newcastle and the Hunter region who have welcomed my family and I with open arms. I am also very grateful for the support of the Knights members and fans and will forever cherish my time representing our great club.”

All the best for the future, Greeny.

Enjoy retirement. pic.twitter.com/0b7Y4K1ulm

Green played 270 first-grade games over an illustrious 15-year professional career, representing nine clubs in the NRL and Super League.

He won a Super League title with the Wigan Warriors in 2013, and won a minor premiership with the Melbourne Storm in 2016.

After suffering a season-ending ACL injury last year, Green played six games for the Knights in 2021 before hanging up the boots.

Newcastle will next face the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 4.50pm AEST.

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