Tohu Harris retires after wrist injury ends NRL career

The New Zealand Warriors’ captain Tohu Harris has been medically retired, with the NRL club announcing on Thursday that a wrist injury has ended the second rower’s career.

Harris, who has 234 NRL caps over 12 seasons, was only able to play 14 games for the 13th-placed Warriors in the 2024 NRL season.

He underwent post-season surgery in an attempt to extend his career, but revealed that he is unable to perform to the required level despite the intervention.

“I had high hopes of returning from the injury this year but I’m devastated I won’t get the chance to pull on the jersey again,” Harris said.

“I’m dealing with pain in everyday life as well as footy.

“My body has been feeling good in training but the reality is I can’t perform as a player with this injury.

“While it’s not easy finishing like this, I’m so grateful to the New Zealand Warriors for the opportunities they’ve given me, for the chance to wear the jersey and to lead our great club, and also for the support we’ve had as a family.”

Harris’ retirement coincides with that of pivot Shaun Johnson, leaving the Kiwi side stripped of valuable experience heading into their 2025 rugby league campaign.

NRL betting sites expect the upcoming season to be a rocky one for New Zealand, with title odds of $41 for the Warriors across the top NRL bookmakers.

“It’s a sad way for Tohu to go out but I just want to celebrate him,” coach Andrew Webster said on Thursday.

“You really don’t know how good a player is until you’ve coached him.

“I’d admired Tohu from afar throughout his career but when I returned to the club I got to admire him even more every day.

“I’m so grateful to have built a relationship with him and for the way he helped me so much in my transition as a head coach.”

Warriors CEO Cameron George also paid tribute to Harris’ contribution to the club, highlighting his leadership during the Covid-19-related isolation the team experienced.

“It’s shattering for Tohu and his family as well as for our club and fans,” he said.

“We all feel for him having to end his career this way.

“But it will never take away from the exceptional contribution he has made to the club in every way through his deeds on the field and off it.

“I’m indebted to him for the amazing work he did to rebuild the team during the tough times when we were isolated in Australia for three seasons.

“We’ll certainly miss the qualities he has provided with his leadership and playing ability and wish him, Nat and Harlan all the best for what lies ahead.”

The Warriors will be leaning heavily on the newly recruited James Fisher-Harris in 2025, who will be expected to fill the void left by Harris.

Their season gets underway in just under two months’ time, where they are $1.56 favourites at BlondeBet to defeat the Canberra Raiders in the league’s opener in Las Vegas on Sunday, March 2 (AEDT).

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