Andrew McCullough reveals reason behind sudden retirement decision
St George Illawarra veteran Andrew McCullough has explained his decision to call time on his NRL career with a year still to run on his contract.
The 32-year-old played 309 games across his career, which saw him turn out for Brisbane, Newcastle and the Dragons.
After making his debut with the Broncos in 2008, spending a season with the Knights in 2020 before playing out the last two years of his career at Kogarah.
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He also played four State of Origin matches for Queensland.
"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.
Andrew McCullough has confirmed his retirement. Getty
"It feels right. I'm happy, I'm content, I just want to get on with it now."
Dragons coach Anthony Griffin said McCullough was "the ultimate professional".
"He was an extremely tough competitor right up until his last game," Griffin said.
"He was the youngest forward to play 200 games. He came back from a medial injury a couple of weeks early to play against the Broncos.
"The biggest thing is he's just a great teammate. Every player that played with him would have enjoyed playing with him and respected him. I think that's the most important thing."
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