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'I’m devastated': NZ Warriors skipper confirms immediate retirement
Logan Swinkels • January 9th, 2025 11:16 am
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Tohu Harris was expected to lead the One NZ Warriors for the 2025 NRL season, but today, the captain has confirmed that his 12-season career has come to an end.
Ongoing problems arisen from off-season wrist surgery have forced the club's leader to step aside.
“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.
“While it’s not easy finishing like this, I’m so grateful to the One New Zealand Warriors for the opportunities they’ve given me, for the chance to wear the jersey and to lead our great club, and also for the support we’ve had as a family.”
Tohu Harris after his 100th game for the NZ Warriors | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Following 117 first-grade appearances for the Melbourne Storm from 2013 to 2017 that included one premiership, the Hastings-born forward returned to New Zealand to play for the Warriors, racking up a further 117 to finish on 234 NRL games.
“It’s shattering for Tohu and his family as well as for our club and fans,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said.
“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.
“I’m indebted to him for the amazing work he did to rebuild the team during the tough times when we were isolated in Australia for three seasons.
“We’ll certainly miss the qualities he has provided with his leadership and playing ability and wish him, Nat and Harlan all the best for what lies ahead.”
In his debut season with the Auckland-based club, he helped the Wahs reach the NRL Finals for the first time since 2011.
But his most successful in a Warriors jersey was 2013 when the side surprised many in Andrew Webster's first season as head coach, finishing one win shy of the Grand Final in a 42-12 loss to the Brisbane Broncos.
Harris was appointed Warriors captain ahead of the 2022 season, going on to lead 52 times - his last on-field appearance was June 29 last year in a 32-16 win against Brisbane.
Warriors CEO Cameron George joined Alex Chapman on Sport Nation to discuss today's news - listen to the full interview below:
