Manly hooker Lachlan Croker has sadly announced his early retirement from the NRL after ongoing concussion issues brought an abrupt end to his playing career.
Croker still had a year to run on his Sea Eagles contract but played only four matches in 2025 due to repeated head knocks that kept him sidelined for most of the season.
The 28-year-old had been a consistent and reliable presence for Manly across several years, but symptoms from multiple concussions, including one suffered at training in June, left him unable to return.
“My body is in good shape, but my head is telling me it’s time,” Croker said.
“I’ve had one too many head knocks, and the last one was the last straw. As hard as I tried to get back playing, I just couldn’t as the symptoms persisted.” Croker explained.
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The Sea Eagles rake said discussions with those close to him, along with medical advice, helped him arrive at his final decision.
In some positive news, Croker will stay with the Sea Eagles in a new capacity, moving directly into coaching as the club’s SG Ball head coach.
“I’m excited about the next chapter in life and the transition into coaching, it’s a big responsibility heading up the under-19s and helping the next crop of talent coming through.” Croker said.
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold praised Croker’s character and work ethic and believes his shift into coaching is a natural progression.
Croker finishes his playing career with 129 NRL matches, debuting for Canberra in 2016 before joining Manly in 2018 and becoming a long-term fixture, with all but one of his NRL appearances coming as a Sea Eagle.
His final NRL appearance came in Round 15 this season on the Gold Coast against the Titans.
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Croker’s medical retirement is expected to open up salary cap space for Manly as they shape their roster for the future, though recently extended hooker Jake Simpkin the likely option to start in the No.9 jersey next season.
The retirement of yet another young sports star due to concussion again puts the spotlight on head knocks and what more the game can do to protect players.
The news of Croker’s retirement comes just weeks after Melbourne Storm star forward Eliesa Katoa was ruled out for the entire 2026 season due to a head injury that prompted the NRL to review concussion protocols were adequate.
It is a sad end for any athlete forced into premature retirement, but the silver lining for Croker is that he won’t be lost to the game and Sea Eagles fans will still see him involved at the club, just in a different role next season.