Newcastle’s Kade Snowden retires from rugby league due to injury

KNIGHTS prop Kade Snowden has pulled the plug on a 12-year NRL career due to recurring injuries that limited him to just one game in 2016.

Kade Snowden has retired from the NRL. Picture: Zak Simmonds

NEWCASTLE forward Kade Snowden has retired from the NRL due to a neck injury.

He hasn’t played since round one and on Friday opted to pull the plug on a 12-year career in the game.

“It has been a tough year not being able to contribute to the team but my body just couldn’t do it any more,” Snowden said.

“A number of injuries, but primarily my neck, have forced an early retirement from the game that has been my whole life.”

Kade Snowden in action for the Knights. Picture: Gregg Porteous

The 29-year-old played 174 NRL games with stints at both the Knights and Cronulla. In addition to club duties, he played for NSW Country, the NSW Origin side as well as Australia and Italy at international level.

“Thanks to my family, friends and everyone that has given me their time to make me the player I became,” Snowden said.

“Thank you to the two clubs, and especially Ricky Stuart, who turned me into the man and player that other players wanted to play with.

“Finally, to the fans of Newcastle, thanks for your support and I am sorry I couldn’t finish the year off for you.”

Originally published as Newcastle’s Kade Snowden retires from rugby league due to injury