YORK KNIGHTS’ Josh Griffin has explained his early retirement decision admitting: “I needed closure.”
The veteran second-rower, who won the Challenge Cup with Hull FC in 2017, announced he was calling it a day via social media last week.
Griffin, 36, suffered a pectoral muscle injury against Toulouse in April which ruled him out for the bulk of the campaign.
The ex-Wakefield Trinity and Salford Red Devils star, who had enjoyed an 18 year-career, explained how he had toyed with the idea of trying to play on.
Griffin told the League Express: “It’s a four-month injury.
“I’d get back for the last game of the season if I really pushed myself.
“I’ve been toying with the idea since suffering the injury.
“I needed almost some closure with it.
“I just kept thinking I could push myself to get a few games in at the end of the season.
“But then I felt I just needed to put some closure to it. I needed it for my own mental health as well, just process what it is and move on from it.
“It was more the fact that I could kind of just put it behind me now.”
Asked if he was ever tempted to try and go around again next year, Griffin insisted: “No.
“The season was tough for me anyway. At this age it is tough going and I tip my hat to anyone who does it.
“I was looking forward to going to the end of the season and I wish I could. I didn’t want it to end in injury.
“But obviously the injury being what it is, it was just easier for me to call it now.
“It’s not been an easy decision by any means. It’s not been a sudden decision.
“But I’ve got things in place where I can move on.”
Griffin, who is expected to stay with York and move into the club’s strength and conditioning department ahead of next season, said: “The game has given me lifelong memories, friendships, experiences and opportunities that I’ll always treasure.”