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The Warriors will need to find a new skipper this season with veteran Kiwi star Tohu Harris retiring immediately.
Hot on the heels of halfback Shaun Johnson bringing down the curtain on his career at the end of last season, Harris has announced his official retirement due to a chronic wrist injury.
“I had high hopes of returning from the injury this year, but I’m devastated I won’t get the chance to pull on the jersey again,” Harris said.
“I’m dealing with pain in everyday life as well as footy. My body has been feeling good in training, but the reality is I can’t perform as a player with this injury.”
Warriors boss Cameron George said in a statement: “It’s shattering for Tohu and his family, as well as for our club and fans.
“We all feel for him having to end his career this way, but it will never take away from the exceptional contribution he has made to the club in every way through his deeds on the field and off it.”
Warriors coach Andrew Webster added: “It’s a sad way for Tohu to go out, but I just want to celebrate him.
“You really don’t know how good a player is until you’ve coached him. I’d admired Tohu from afar throughout his career, but when I returned to the club I got to admire him even more every day.”
The 32-year-old forward, who has played 16 Tests for New Zealand and own a premiership with the Storm in 2017, has been a key part of the Warriors’ revival in recent seasons.
He led them to their barnstorming run to the top four in 2023 but the wrist injury meant he only appeared 14 times for them last season as they limped into 13th position.
Harris has made 234 NRL appearances since his debut in 2013 with an even 117 apiece for the Storm and Warriors.
He played in the second row in Melbourne’s 2016 grand final loss to Cronulla before being part of the team which went one further the following year with a 34-6 triumph over the Cowboys in the decider.
Harris switched to the Warriors the following year and has been credited with instilling a tougher edge to the club.
A noted fitness fanatic, he has lifted standards at the team and his sudden retirement will be offset by the arrival of Panthers prop James Fisher-Harris although the Warriors have also lost Addin Fonua-Blake to the Sharks in the off-season.
Tohu Harris celebrates after scoring a try. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Fisher-Harris or dual international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are in line to be captain of the Warriors following Harris’ surprise decision to retire.
Mitch Barnett, who made his NSW and Australian debuts last season, is another option to become the permanent leader after filling in nine times last year when Harris was out.
The Warriors are part of the Las Vegas Round 1 double-header up against the Raiders on March 1.
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