The Sea Eagles have vowed to support prop Richie Fa'aoso as he makes the difficult transition to life away from rugby league after officially announcing his retirement yesterday.
The 29-year-old fo
rward ended his 11 year top class career on strong medical advice after fracturing a vertebrae in his neck playing against South Sydney in last year's finals series.
Fa'aoso had been contracted with the Sea Eagles until the end of 2014, but has been forced into premature retirement on the back of strong medical advice and recommendations.
He was contracted to the Sea Eagles for 2014 and had hoped to return to the field this season.
It has been a difficult time for Fa'aoso and it emerged during a court appearance last month that he was having "suicidal thoughts" when told that he may never play again.
He pleaded guilty to three charges including drink-driving.
Fa'aoso's lawyer said the neck injury has resulted in depression that his client self-medicated with alcohol.
And the Sea Eagles won't be abandoning the quietly spoken father of two as he prepares for a new chapter in his life.
"No one wishes for the career of a player to be cut--short, but regardless of who you are, a player's health and wellbeing will always remain the most important factor when a decision such as this is made," said Sea Eagles general manager David Perry.
"The club, along with the NRL, will continue to support Richie with his rehabilitation, as well as the transition to life after football.
"This includes assisting him in the completion of suitable educational courses."
Fa'aoso, who played 55 NRL games for six clubs, said it was very disappointing and unfortunate to end his career this way.
"But I feel blessed to have played with the people I have over so many years," Fa'aoso said.
"I've had many highs and lows in my career and I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities the game of rugby league has given me.
Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey said Fa'aoso was an integral part of the Sea Eagles march to the grand final last year.
"And it's upsetting to see him have his career ended in this way," Toovey said.
Jon Geddes
Manly Daily
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/northern-beaches/sea-eagles-will-stick-by-richie-faaoso-after-his-retirement/story-fngr8iii-1226817686711