Cronulla and former Wests Tigers prop Bryce Gibbs has announced his retirement from the NRL.
The 30-year-old scored a try – one of just four times he crossed in the NRL – in the Tigers' 2005 Grand Final win. He retires with 197 first grade games – 155 for Wests Tigers and 42 for the Sharks. He also played four times for City Origin.
Gibbs, who was troubled by injuries including a chronic Achilles injury late in his career, was restricted to just eight games in 2013 and 14 games in 2014.
He announced the move via his Twitter account, thanking former Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens for giving him a chance as an 18-year-old. Gibbs added he would continue to be play rugby league at some level.
Iv decided to hit the eject button on my nrl career! Iv had a great 12 yrs, like to thank all the boys iv played with and sheensy 1/2
— bryce gibbs (@bryceegibbs) November 13, 2014
For giving me a go when I was 18! Still going to play somewhere because I love the game that gave me everything! #hooroo
— bryce gibbs (@bryceegibbs) November 13, 2014
Some of his former teammates also took to Twitter to congratulate Gibbs on his career.
Congrats to my good mate @bryceegibbs on a great career. One of the toughest I've ever played with and easily the funniest #brothers
— robbie farah (@robbiefarah) November 13, 2014
Congrats to the great @bryceegibbs been a pleasure playing alongside and becoming a good mate with this legend #oneofthegreats #peopleschamp
— Keith Galloway (@kgalloway85) November 13, 2014
Congrats to @bryceegibbs on a great career mate! Wish you all the best in future endevours. #ctownboy #humbleastheycome
— Ben Roberts (@ben02roberts) November 13, 2014
Congratulations to 2005 premiership winner @bryceegibbs on a great career. Thanks for the memories, Bryce, and all the best in retirement!
— Wests Tigers (@Wests_Tigers) November 13, 2014