NRL: Grothe announces retirement

Eric Grothe Jr. Photo / Getty Images

Parramatta have lost one of their most famous names with Eric Grothe announcing his retirement from the NRL on Monday.

The 30-year-old, son of 80s legend Eric Grothe senior, will not fulfill his one-year contract with the club in 2011 following a long rehabilitation from a knee injury.

The former Australian and NSW Origin representative said he was ready to move on with his life.

"I'm going to miss the club and especially the boys, but I feel it is the right time to move on," he said.

"I've had many injuries throughout my career and it's getting harder to recover from them. I loved my many years at Parra but I have other things I want to concentrate on now."

Grothe made his debut with the Eels in 1999 against North Queensland. He joined the Sydney Roosters in 2002 before rejoining the Eels in 2004.

The Eagle Vale junior made his representative debut in 2005, playing for City and Australia in the same season. In 2006 he played all three Origins for NSW.

The talented winger played 142 NRL games and scored 268 points from 67 tries.

He will now concentrate on his personal training business and music and TV career.

- AAP