Hull FC back-row forward Sika Manu has retired from international Rugby League.
Manu captained Tonga in their first ever Test match against Australia last week but has decided to call it a day on the international front after playing 14 matches for New Zealand before switching allegiance to Tonga.
“I think he would have kept playing if his body could keep up with it all but I know just from the conversation I had with him that he feels like everything is in a good place, that everything is in good hands and there is some good leadership coming through in the group,” said Tonga Head Coach Kristian Woolf.
“Guys like Jason (Taumalolo), Will Hopoate and Sio Siua Taukeiaho are real emerging leaders and he thinks that they can continue to take everything forward so it is the right time to step aside and let someone else do it.
“He is a terrific leader, he has been the captain of the Tonga team since 2014 and he was one of the first ones, who was still on the cards of playing for New Zealand, who decided he wanted to play for Tonga while he was still at his best.”
