NRL trailblazer Justin Olam announces immediate retirement from rugby league
Tigers star Justin Olam has shocked the NRL world by announcing his immediate retirement from rugby league on medical advice.
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Wests Tigers star Justin Olam has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league after medical staff urged the 31-year-old to call time on his career following a bad knee injury in Round 18 last year.
The Tigers fan favourite has left a lasting legacy, despite his rugby league career being tragically cut short by injury, with the NRL world rallying around one of the game’s great trailblazers.
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After moving to the joint venture from Melbourne ahead of the 2024 season, Olam made just 13 appearances.
But as a whole he managed 117 NRL games, with the Papua New Guinean international a true inspiration for his country, leaving a lasting legacy on the game and opening pathways for men and women to follow his lead.
From humble beginnings in the remote PNG village of Gon to lifting the 2020 NRL Premiership with the Storm, Olam’s journey is one that is all-inspiring.
“I came here hoping just to play one game, and I’ve been blessed a hundred times over to have played more than 100,” Olam said in a statement on Friday.
“Hopefully, I can inspire a young kid — whether here or back home in PNG — to chase their dreams.
“With God, anything is possible. I wish I could keep playing, but my body just won’t allow it anymore.
“I believe everything happens for a reason. At the end of the day, it’s God’s plan.
“Thank you to all my friends, family, and anyone who has supported me throughout my rugby league journey — I appreciate you all.”
His career highlights include 104 appearances for the Storm, a Dally M Centre of the Year award in 2021, and many memorable moments representing Papua New Guinea on the world stage.
Wests Tigers Head Coach Benji Marshall was full of praise for Olam when reflecting on his incredible career.
“We congratulate Justin on an incredible career in the NRL and for Papua New Guinea,” said Marshall.
“He will go down as one of the greatest — if not the greatest — players to represent PNG. It’s been an absolute privilege having Justin at our Club, and we wish him and his family all the very best in the next chapter of their journey.”
And the NRL world was quick to pay its respects to the centre online.
“Thank you Olam! Your time at the tigers was short but effective. Good luck brother !” one fan wrote on X.
“So much left in the tank really unfortunate,” another added.
“Sad to see a player who had such an impact on the NRL and international rugby league go out this way,” a third commented.
Olam will be given a heroes send-off on Sunday at Campbelltown Sports Stadium before his legacy also being celebrated in Round 10 in the Tigers clash with the Storm at AAMI Park on May 11.
Originally published as NRL trailblazer Justin Olam announces immediate retirement from rugby league
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