Cult Newcastle winger Nathan Ross has called time on his storied NRL career after he was forced into medical retirement because of groin and pelvic problems.
Ross, 30, on Tuesday informed his teammates he was hanging up his boots after failing to recover from off-season surgery.
"I go through waves of emotions," Ross said.
"I've felt sad, angry, disappointed and proud. I'm proud of what I accomplished and happy for the friendships I've made.
"This groin and pelvic injury has been plaguing me.
"It got to a stage where I couldn't get out of my car, struggled to walk and pick up my kids without pain. This decision is about putting my health and my family first."
Ross was famously told by former Knights coach Wayne Bennett he would never make it as a first-grader before making his debut as a 26-year-old in 2015.
He quit a $125,000-a-year job in the mines to take up a $25,000 part-time contract with the Knights and poured beers at his local pub to make ends meet
The "Ross Dog" went on to become a crowd favourite with the Knights faithful, playing 60 games as well as making one representative appearance with NSW Country in 2017.
"Debuting late, I tried to cram in as much as I could. I knew my rugby league window was closing," Ross said.
"To be able to play as many games as I did in a short period of time was great. I have some moments now that should stay around forever which my kids should be proud of."
Knights chief executive Philip Gardner praised Ross as a poster boy for perseverance.
"Nathan is a real personality and a true ambassador of this club," Gardner said.
"His story is one of hard work and self-belief. Not only did he fight his way through the local ranks, but he proved plenty of knockers wrong along the way.
"It's a credit to him and his family for refusing to take no for an answer and demonstrates the power of self-belief.
"He is a character, so it comes as no surprise that he is a fan favourite.
"We are very disappointed to lose him, particular to lose him to a career-ending injury but we wish he and his family nothing but the best for the future."
