A medical retirement is never the way a player wants to leave rugby league but on the advice of doctors, Parramatta Eels back-rower Andrew Davey has confirmed his NRL retirement.
Davey was a late bloomer to the NRL and almost gave up on the dream before the Parramatta Eels came knocking in late 2019.
From there, Davey played for the Eels, the Manly Sea Eagles and the Canterbury Bulldogs over the next four seasons.
Davey admits that he never believed his chance to play NRL would eventuate but he is proud of what he achieved give his circumstances.
“For a battler from Central Queensland who wasn’t supposed to play one game of NRL, this career has plenty for me to be proud of,” Davey said.
“It may not be the ending I would have liked, but truth is, I lived my fairytale for five years.
“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.”
Davey has his own carpentry business to fall back on, the same profession he was doing prior to his NRL debut, and Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill wished him the best.
“Andrew has always had a great work ethic, his desire and drive to make it in the NRL is admirable,” O’Neill said.
“He has set himself up for success outside of football and we wish him all the best for his future.”
