It has been a long and storied career for Andrew Fifita and the veteran Cronulla Sharks prop has announced his retirement from professional rugby league.
Perhaps the most iconic moment in Fifita’s career came in the 2016 NRL grand final.
The moment that saw name etched in grand final folklore and the win that saw the Sharks win their maiden premiership.
Over 13 years, Fifita played 251 NRL games, represented Austrslia, Tonga and NSW, and the Indigenous All-Stars side.
After making the difficult decision to retire, Fifita remained grateful for the things he has achieved in the sport.
“I have made the hard decision to announce my retirement from the NRL,” Fifita said.
”I am extremely grateful for all the milestones and memories I have made at the Sharks.”
Fifita, originally from Blacktown in Sydney’s West, signed as teenager with the Wests Tigers.
After 39 games for the Tigers, his remaining 212 were played for the Sharks.
As Fifita looks back on his career, he knows he has achieved everything he dreamt of.
“I can retire knowing I’ve fulfilled everything I had dreamed of achieving.” Fifita said.
New to the Sharks system is coach Craig Fitzgibbon but he believes that Fifita embodies what it means to be a Shark.
He wears his heart on his sleeve and he embodies everything that we’re trying to achieve here at the Sharks,” Fitzgibbon Lin said.
“He has a real presence and leadership that will never be replaced, he can finish his career proud of what he’s achieved.”
