Much loved Canberra Raiders forward Sia Soliola has announced his retirement from the NRL after 17 seasons playing at the highest level.
The Kiwi international debuted under now-Raiders coach Ricky Stuart in 2005 at the Sydney Roosters, then playing as a winger and centre.
He then left for the English Super League in 2010, before returning to play under Stuart at the Raiders in 2015 and playing his last seven seasons as a middle forward.
“I’m at ease with everything now,” Soliola said.
“There’s a few mixed emotions, I’m excited and a bit nervous but relieved to make the decision to leave the game.
“It has given me a lot and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
The 35-year-old has become well known in Canberra for spending countless hours helping the local community which resulted in him being awarded the 2019 Ken Stephen Medal.
Soliola paid tribute to his late mother Fialelei, saying she’s where he gets his love for helping those in need.
“I have to pay tribute to my late mother who passed away this year, and with her being gone and as a family as a whole reflecting on her time here it made me really think about why I do the things I do,” Soliola said.
“It’s really been a tribute to her and how she operated within our family.
“It’s no surprise that I followed in her footsteps and I contribute a lot of how I do things in my life to her.”
Despite finishing up his glittering professional rugby league career, Soliola won’t be the lost to the club as he commences a new role in the welfare and education team where he will help guide the next generation of Raiders.
Soliola thanked the loyal Canberra fans for their support over the years.
“To the members, supporters and the community I just want to really thank everyone for their support and just really embracing me. I really feel like a son here,” he said.
“Whether I’m dropping off the kids to school or playing in the park those little memories and relationships I’ve built I hold very dear, and everyone has really being comfortable to approach me and treat me not so much as a player but as a friend and have a chat to them and that’s what I love about Canberra, it’s one big family.”
The Raiders also announced a host of other departing players in Dunamis Lui, Siliva Havili, Ryan James, Darby Medlyn and Caleb Aekins.
Lui and Havili have been regulars in the Raiders line up over the years and were an integral part of the 2019 grand final team.
With AAP
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