“The truth is, I lived my fairytale for five years, even though it may not have been the ending I would have preferred.”
After five NRL seasons, forward Andrew Davey of the Parramatta Eels has announced his retirement from rugby league.
According to medical professionals, Davey should hang up his boots, thus he’s retiring from the game.
His career spanned 44 NRL games over the following four years, including stints with the Parramatta Eels, Manly Sea Eagles, and Canterbury Bulldogs. He made his NRL debut in 2020.
After suffering two concussions, he returned to the Eels in 2023 as a mid-season transfer in Round 10, however he only played in 12 games.
Along the way, he participated in the 2019 NSW Cup Grand Final, won the 2016 Mackay Cutters Rookie of the Year Award, and, at 28 years and 233 days, became the fourth-oldest rookie in NRL history.
“This career has plenty for me to be proud of, especially as a battler from Central Queensland who wasn’t supposed to play one NRL game,” Davey said in a statement.
“Although the conclusion may not have pleased me, the reality is that I spent five years living out my fantasy
“I’d like to thank the Parramatta Eels admin staff, the medical team and all coaches at the club, the genuine care and support I received throughout this process is greatly appreciated and I couldn’t ask for better treatment in making this decision. “I’m extremely grateful to have such supportive family and friends and I’m also proud of the lifelong friendships I made during my time in the NRL.
Given that the Bulldogs are covering a portion of Davey’s contract at the Eels following his unexpected mid-season departure, it is
understood that the Bulldogs will receive some relief from the NRL as a result of Davey’s retirement. Andrew has always had a great work ethic, and his desire and drive to succeed in the NRL is admirable, according to Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill, who also wished Davey well in his future..
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