Wakefield forward Glenn Morrison has been forced to retire after suffering a shoulder injury in the first week of pre-season training.
Wakefield veteran suffers serious shoulder injury
Wakefield forward Glenn Morrison has been forced to retire after suffering a shoulder injury in the first week of pre-season training.
The 35-year-old has been told by medical experts that he suffered a labral tear in his left shoulder as well as major damage to the joint capsule and bone damage that will need repair by taking bone from his hip.
He had only recently signed a new contract for 2012 while embarking on a coaching career with the Wildcats.
"I'm still pretty shattered by what's happened and it hasn't really sunk in that I won't be playing any more," he said.
"When I signed the new deal recently I still felt I had a good year or two in me.
"But I've had a great time over 16 seasons and I've loved every minute of it.
"I want to thank all the coaches, players and fans that have helped me so much throughout my career and a special thankyou to my family who have provided fantastic support to me through it all."
Professional
Morrison will now focus entirely on his role as Wildcats assistant coach.
Wakefield chief executive James Elston said: "Glenn has been a fantastic professional and it's a shame that his retirement has been forced on him in this way.
"Being a rugby league player is a lot more than just what you do on the pitch and Glenn is a fantastic role model for any young player in how to apply yourself in training and being an ambassador for the sport within the community.
"Coaching is something that he has been passionate about for a long time and we know that he'll continue to make a big contribution to the club in his role as assistant and under-20s coach."
