Tohu Harris retires:
Harris draws curtain on career
One New Zealand Warriors captain Tohu Harris has today announced he is ending his playing career with immediate effect.
The 234-game veteran was set for his 13th NRL campaign this year but said ongoing problems following offseason surgery on a wrist injury have forced him to step aside prematurely.
“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 One New Zealand 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.”
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
Tohu Harris One New Zealand Warriors captain
Harris ends his career with 117 appearances since joining the One New Zealand 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 One New Zealand 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 One New Zealand Warriors 52 times after first being appointed for the 2022 season, the last of those appearances being the 32-16 win over Brisbane at Go Media Stadium 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 One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
It’s a sad way for Tohu to go out but I just want to celebrate him
Andrew WebsterOne New Zealand Warriors head coach
“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 #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.
Profile | Tohu Harris
Born: January 7, 1992
Birthplace: Hastings, NZ
Junior club: Tamatea Sports Club
Position: Loose forward/second row/prop
Height: 195cm
Weight: 112kg
Previous clubs: Melbourne Storm (2013-2017)
First grade debut: Melbourne Storm v St George Illawarra Dragons, AAMI Park,
Melbourne, March 10, 2013 (Rd 1)
One New Zealand Warriors debut: v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Optus Stadium,
Perth, March 10, 2018 (Rd 1)
One New Zealand Warriors No: 224
NRL appearances: 234 appearances
Melbourne Storm: 117 appearances (2013-2017)
One New Zealand Warriors: 117 appearances (2018-2024)
NRL points: 136 (30 tries, 8 goals)
Melbourne Storm: 88 (18 tries, 8 goals)
One New Zealand Warriors: 48 (12 tries)
Representative: 16 Tests New Zealand (2013-16), Four Nations (2014, 2016), Māori All-Stars (2019)
One New Zealand Warriors captain Tohu Harris announces end of his 234-game NRL career.
www.warriors.kiwi
