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 which plagued him last year and has 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.

“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.”

Harris made his debut in 2013 and played 117 games for the Storm, winning the grand final in his final match for the club in 2017 before he moved to New Zealand where he also played 117 matches.

He was one of the few players who left the Storm and actually got better, with his work ethic and terrific skills on an edge or through the middle making him one of the most respected players in the NRL.

Reporter Tyson Jackson joins Roosters flyer Dom Young for a training session with esteemed sprint coach Roger Fabri.

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

“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.”