The Warriors have been dealt a major blow on the eve of the new season, with workhorse skipper Tohu Harris announcing his retirement effective immediately due to a wrist injury that plagued him last year and left him “dealing with pain in everyday life as well as footy”. Harris turned 33 earlier this week but won’t return for a 13th season due to ongoing problems following off-season surgery on the wrist injury that limited him to just 14 appearances last year. “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,” he 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 One 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.” The Warriors will settle on their new skipper closer to the start of the 2025 season, with Dylan Walker likely to replace Harris at lock given he played 13 matches in the role last year. It’s another blow for the club given star halfback Shaun Johnson has retired and try-scoring machine Addin Fonua-Blake has joined the Sharks, although former Golden Boot winner James Fisher-Harris is a key signing and could take over as captain. “It’s shattering for Tohu and his family as well as for our club and fans,” Warriors chief executive Cameron George said.
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