Wests Tigers and former Huddersfield Giants star Liam Fulton has been forced into retirement at the age of just 29, after repeated head knocks have cruelly ended his career.
Fulton has suffered repeated concussion incidents this year – in a story strikingly similar to that of former Bradford Bulls man Shontayne Hape – and after worrying signs emerged such as loss of short-term memory, he has decided to call it a day rather than risk his long-term health.
“I was waking up confused, not knowing what day it is,” he said.
“It gave me a real headache just having to concentrate on something. Sometimes I would wonder – did I eat breakfast this morning? Just the littlest things. Earlier on, my days were going quickly and I wondered what I had even done that day.
“I remember telling the doctor about being in the moment – I’m there, but the lights aren’t on. Not taking things in. It’s good to get it off my chest and finish off.”
The front-rower spent his entire career with the Tigers – aside from one year in Super League with Huddersfield Giants, where he made 17 appearances for the club in 2009.
