St George Illawarra Dragons prop Dan Hunt announced on Wednesday his decision to retire from first-grade rugby league as a result of a career-ending injury suffered during the annual NRL Auckland Nines pre-season competition.
Hunt, 28, sustained a significant knee injury during the tournament that has prevented him from playing any rugby league and due to the injury has been unable to recover.
Hunt has concurred with the opinion of multiple medical practitioners and made the decision to retire from the game.
"It is no secret that I have been struggling with injuries throughout my career and unfortunately the injury sustained in pre-season has been career-ending," said Hunt.
"It has come to the point where my left knee cannot withstand the strain that comes with playing first-grade on a regular basis.
"It is not a decision or day that any rugby league player looks forward too and it has been a difficult time and decision, but after several extensive discussions with both the Club's Medical Staff as well as various other independent surgeons, this decision is the right one to make for my long-term well-being."