Tohu Harris (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu), captain of the New Zealand Warriors, has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league, according to a report by The Daily Telegraph.
The 32-year-old’s decision comes as he continues to struggle with a chronic wrist injury that prematurely ended his 2024 season.
The Daily Telegraph reported, “It is understood that Harris has told those close to him that he cannot play on as he struggled to make his return from a debilitating wrist injury which ended his 2024 season.”
Harris underwent surgery last year to address the injury, which had plagued him throughout the season.
However, the operation did not yield the desired results.
The Daily Telegraph reported “the injury has not healed as well as he would have liked and is now forced the 32-year-old into retirement.”
Harris, who played 234 NRL games across his career, split his time between the Melbourne Storm and the Warriors.
Read more:
- ‘It’s a huge honour’ - Tohu Harris to lead Warriors in 2022
- The journey of Tohu Harris: From understated signing to club legend
- Harris extends contract with Warriors through to 2025
He debuted in 2013 and became a key player for the Storm, contributing to their 2017 grand final victory against the North Queensland Cowboys before joining the Warriors.
He also earned 16 caps for Aotearoa and was recognised as one of the best leaders in the competition during his time at the Warriors.
He is widely consider one of the game’s best players and one of the best leaders in the competition.
Harris’ departure leaves a leadership gap in the Warriors’ squad, especially following the retirement of veteran Shaun Johnson at the end of last season.
Test captain James Fisher-Harris is now expected to step up as a leader within the team, alongside Mitch Barnett, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Kurt Capewell, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
Meanwhile, Dylan Walker, who performed strongly at lock during Harris’ absence, is anticipated to continue in the role moving forward.
Harris’ retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that has left an indelible mark on the Warriors and the NRL.
The full Daily Telegraph report is available here.
