Adam Docker retires effective immediately.
http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/docke...18137628227480&adbpl=fb&adbpr=110919635615955
HE’S only 24 years of age but promising Panthers back-rower Adam Docker has been forced to hang up the boots.
Docker, a former Illawarra junior, has struggled throughout his career with knee injuries and concussion and as a result has decided to call time on his NRL dream.
Specifically, Docker has no cartilage in his left knee which is grinding away at the bone causing arthritis and restricting movement.
“It’s the highest grade arthritis you can get,” Docker told Fox Sports.
“It’s even chipping away at my bone. I’ve been to three different surgeons and a stem cell surgeon and some outside of my club to get different opinions.
“They all pretty much said the exact same thing — that I shouldn’t be playing on it and there’s nothing I can do unless I get a knee replacement and I’m too young for that.”
After a horror 2015 season, the former Country representative had hoped to revive his career with the Dragons after deciding to move back home to Shellharbour.
“All year I knew something was wrong with my knee,” he said.
“I wasn’t playing to the best of my ability. I just couldn’t do it.
“I was heading to the Dragons to get a deal with them and they knocked me back due to how serious my knee was.
“That’s when I came to my final decision to hang up the boots for good and never play again.
“It was pretty tough. It was a long decision and always on my mind. I was always thinking about it but as soon as I made the decision, I felt a lot of relief and that made me feel like it was the right decision.”
