NRL: Bulldogs wing in shock retirement

Steve Turner. Photo /Getty Images

Canterbury's Steve Turner has announced his immediate retirement from the NRL due to an ongoing knee injury.

The 28-year-old former Penrith and Melbourne winger, who played one State of Origin game for NSW in 2008, missed the bulk of the 2012 season with the injury.

Turner played in the Bulldogs' first two games this season but the debilitating injury has continued to hamper his ability to train and the Bulldogs released a statement confirming his retirement on Sunday.

"My body just isn't holding up for me anymore,'' said Turner in statement.

"It's unfortunate for it to end like this but I have no other choice with how much that it is mentally and physically draining me.

"It's so hard when your head is telling you that you want to do something but your body just doesn't let you.

"I actually had some extra knee surgery just before Christmas that no one knew about and I've been finding it hard enough to train let alone being able to go out and play as best as I can.''

Turner said he would stay on with the club in a media assistant capacity, as he did in 2012 while sidelined with the injury.

Coach Des Hasler commended Turner for making the call.

"Steve's decision has been made in line of his team and club first,'' Hasler said.

"It is clearly a reflection of the individual. He will be sorely missed because of his professionalism and experience but the club is hopeful that he will stay on in some capacity.''

- AAP