NZ Warriors captain Tohu Harris has announced he is ending his playing career with immediate effect.
The Hastings-born 33-year-old 234-game veteran was set for his 13th NRL campaign in 2025 but said ongoing problems following offseason surgery on a wrist injury have forced him to step aside prematurely.
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“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,” said Harris.
“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 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.”
Harris ends his career with 117 appearances since joining the Warriors in 2018, the same number of games he played in his five seasons with Melbourne from 2013 to 2017.
“It’s shattering for Tohu and his family as well as for our club and fans,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“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.”
Harris led the Warriors 52 times after first being appointed for the 2022 season, the last of those appearances being the 32-16 win over Brisbane at Mt Smart on June 29 last year.
Used off the interchange that night, he had battled a right wrist injury throughout the
season and was subsequently unable to return for any of the last eight games.
“It’s a sad way for Tohu to go out but I just want to celebrate him,” said Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“You really don’t know how good a player is until you’ve coached him. I’d admired Tohu
from afar throughout his career but when I returned to the club I got to admire him even
more every day.
“I’m so grateful to have built a relationship with him and for the way he helped me so
much in my transition as a head coach.”
Harris became Warrior No 224 when he made his club debut in the 2018 season-opening
32-20 win over South Sydney in Perth.
A 2017 grand final winner with Melbourne, he was a back-to-back winner of the club’s Simon Mannering Medal player of the year award in 2020 and 2021 and was shortlisted for the 2023 Dally M lock of the year and captain of the year awards.
George said the Warriors’ 2025 captain would be announced closer to the start of the season.