‘Lived my fairytale’: Eels forward forced into immediate retirement
Eels forward Andrew Davey has announced he has retired from the NRL, effective immediately after advice from medical experts.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Eels forward Andrew Davey has announced he has retired from the NRL, effective immediately after advice from medical experts.
The 31-year-old played 44 NRL games across five seasons with the Eels, Sea Eagles and Bulldogs.
Watch every match of Pacific Championships LIVE on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
He began his first grade career in Parramatta, arriving at the club from Mackay in Queensland before making his NRL debut.
After a short stint at the Canterbury-Bankstown club, he made a mid-season switch in 2023 returning to play under Brad Arthur.
Davey’s retirements comes after a string of ugly concussions suffered throughout last season, ending his contract a year early.
Davey suffered his most recent concussion in Round 24 and was helped from the field after copping a knee to the head. He then didn’t feature in Parramatta’s final two games of the season.
“For a battler from Central Queensland who wasn’t supposed to play one game of NRL, this career has plenty for me to be proud of,” Davey said in a club statement.
“It may not be the ending I would have liked, but truth is, I lived my fairytale for five years.
“I’d like to thank the Parramatta Eels admin staff, the medical team and all coaches at the club, the genuine care and support I received throughout this process is greatly appreciated and I couldn’t ask for better treatment in making this decision.
“I’m extremely grateful to have such supportive family and friends and I’m also proud of the lifelong friendships I made during my time in the NRL.”
Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill also praised Davey’s work ethic.
“Andrew has always had a great work ethic, his desire and drive to make it in the NRL is admirable,” he said.
“He has set himself up for success outside of football and we wish him all the best for his future.”
Originally published as ‘Lived my fairytale’: Eels forward forced into immediate retirement
The Kangaroos teammates who embraced Ian Roberts’ sexuality
Ian Roberts knew his open display of homosexuality on the 1994 Kangaroos tour would prompt discomfort among some teammates. He reveals the two teammates who welcomed his then partner, Shane.
How Maguire is confronting Broncos’ ‘rock star’ culture
There is a view some players at the Broncos have become “rock stars” following their fairytale charge to the 2023 grand final. This is how new coach Michael Maguire will drive cultural change.