Following major knee surgery in three of the last four seasons, Vodafone Warriors back rower Ben Henry has today confirmed he will retire at the end of the 2016 NRL season.

The 24-year-old’s fifth NRL campaign was ended by a patella injury to his left knee in the opening match of the season against Wests Tigers in March.

It followed ACL injuries to the same knee in 2013 and 2015, the injuries limiting Henry to just 52 appearances since his NRL debut against Manly at Eden Park in the first round of the 2012 season.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 05:  Ben Henry of the Warriors drinks during the round one NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the New Zealand Warriors at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on March 5, 2016 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 05: Ben Henry of the Warriors drinks during the round one NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the New Zealand Warriors at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on March 5, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“It’s been a tough call to make because my goals were always to be a professional rugby league player,” he said after telling his team-mates about his decision today.

“It’s a huge disappointment but after all the damage to my knee there really wasn’t any option. While my heart was set on coming back yet again I’ve had to accept my body won’t allow me to compete at the level I need to.

“This isn’t the way I planned it but now I have made this decision I’m ready for the next phase of life after football.”

Read more at Warriors.co.nz

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