After months of speculation about his future, St George Illawarra Dragons dummy-half and NRL 300-gamer Andrew McCullough has called time on his storied career, as confirmed by the club this morning.
The 32-year-old had spent the time since the end of the season going back-and-forth on the issue, especially as he still had one year remaining on his current contract with the Red V.
But as the Dragons return for the first week of pre-season training, McCullough has been a notable absence – and reports emerged that he'd already advised a number of the club's youngest stars that he won't be returning to the field in 2023.
That news was confirmed by the club and player this morning in a joint statement.
"I've decided to finish up this year; It's worked out well for transitioning for the next couple of years," McCullough said.
"I've probably been battling a couple of niggling injuries over the last couple of years that people don't probably understand or realise. That's football.
"[The decision] was more so transitioning, the opportunities that came for me the next couple of years.
"I thought I'd jump at the opportunity now while those further opportunities are still there and go from there.
"It feels right. I'm happy, I'm content, I just want to get on with it now."
McCullough made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos all the way back in 2008, also playing eight games for Newcastle before joining the Dragons at the start of the 2021 season. He played 41 games in the famous Red V, brining up his 300th NRL appearance against South Sydney in Round 15, 2022.
While there were initial suggestions that McCullough may take on a role with the club under Anthony Griffin, it's now been confirmed that the former Maroons No.9 will be returning to Queensland with his family.
The club have made few moves on the player market since the end of the season but they have secured the services of former Wests Tigers rake Jacob Liddle, who is expected to battle with Moses Mbye for the newly vacant role – though the club may pursue a more renowned target between now and the start of the season.