Injury forces Dylan Farrell to retire

An ongoing back issue has forced St George Illawarra Dragons centre Dylan Farrell to officially end his rugby league career.

The local Culburra Dolphins junior sustained a complex and ongoing back injury towards the end of the 2015 season and despite intensive rehabilitation has been unable to overcome the ailment.

Farrell, 25, made his first-grade debut for the Rabbitohs during the 2010 season and was named in the National Youth Competition “Team of the Year” for that year.

He joined the Dragons ahead of the 2014 campaign and played 19 first-grade games for the Club during his three year tenure for a total of 89 NRL games overall.

“It is not the way that I would have preferred to bow out but deep down I know it is the best decision for both my family and myself moving forward in the long run,” said Farrell.

“I have enjoyed every minute playing rugby league and wish I could have returned to the field but unfortunately it was not meant to be.”