Jarrod Croker has announced he will retire from rugby league at the end of the 2023 NRL season.
The Canberra Raiders legend played his 300th game in June and will go down as one of the club's best.
Known for his humility and reliability, he informed his teammates of his decision last week.
MORE: Croker reaches 300th game milestone after record-breaking career
Canberra Raiders captain Jarrod Croker to retire
Croker is due to return from injury next week, with the Raiders hosting the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
His final home game is set to be against the Brisbane Broncos in Round 26, before an away match in Cronulla will conclude his career.
The 32-year-old explained that the physical nature of the game has taken its toll in a club statement.
“I’ve been weighing the decision up over the past couple of weeks and although my heart and mind wants to keep playing for the club I love, the reality is that my body knows it’s time for me to retire,” Croker said.
“I’m comfortable with the decision I’ve made and I now get to spend the remainder of the year working alongside my teammates as we look to push towards the finals.
“I’ve got lots of people to thank including my wife Brittney, my sons Rory and Tate, my mum and dad and all my family and friends, but I’ll have an opportunity to do that at the end of the season.
“Right now, my focus remains on the team and us looking to win a premiership.”
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart paid tribute to the veteran centre as one of the club's favourite sons.
“Jarrod Croker will go down as one of the legends of this club," he said.
"His achievements and his selflessness for the jersey are everything you want in a player and he will retire from the game alongside some of the greats to wear the green jersey.
“Jarrod is a local boy from Goulburn who played his entire career from junior representatives right through to 300 games in the NRL and he is the perfect example of what it is to be a Raider.”
“Jarrod Croker is and will always be a Canberra Raider.”
Jarrod Croker NRL career stats
Last updated August 13, 2023
| Appearances | 305 |
| Points | 2,358 |
| Conversion rate | 80.94% |
| Tries | 135 |
| Try assists | 79 |
| Tackle efficiency | 85.52% |
