Anthony Watmough could be forced into an immediate retirement from the NRL as he continues to battle a chronic knee injury.
The 32-year-old Parramatta second-rower had surgery on his knee last July, but has struggled to train through the pre-season and is set to call it quits, according to News Corp.
The two-time premiership winner is renowned for playing through pain, but admitted last December he thought his career may have been over when he experienced a burning sensation in his leg.
The news on Friday came as a shock to club legend Nathan Hindmarsh.
“All reports I was hearing that they were having a good pre-season and then this,” he told the Triple M Grill Team.
“There were a few things last year regarding shoulders and what not, but for him to finish up now is a huge shock.”
The 303-game veteran is contracted to the Eels until the end of 2018, after signing with the club from Manly before the 2015 season.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Did Parra pay someone to tap Watmough on the knee with a hammer? I've never seen such overs paid for an old player.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
This would be a massive cost win for Parra if it pans out.
Jet
Guest
Couldn't agree more. Such a shame he didn't go out the right way. Should have finished a genuine Manly legend.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Say the headline aloud in a Yoda voice, and it takes on a semblance of sense.
Mals
Roar Rookie
"Watmough me be forced to retire: report" - did Choc write this headline? Sad end if true. Choc could have retired as a one club legend at Manly yet he choose to dump on the club in the media and jump ship to Manly's biggest rival.