Rugby league: Melbourne Storm, New Zealand Māori winger Sandor Earl announces retirement

Melbourne Storm star Sandor Earl. Photo / Getty

Melbourne Storm winger Sandor Earl has announced his retirement from the NRL, effective immediately.

The 31-year-old confirmed the news while speaking on SEN's Jimmy Smith Show on Friday afternoon.

"I'll be hanging up the boots," Earl said.

"I suppose a combination of things, but I guess the people who know me and are closest to me have a pretty good understanding … rugby league has been everything for me.

"It's been a dream come true, it's what I've dedicated my whole life to, and I'm really proud, even taking into consideration the rollercoaster it's been, proud of the things I've achieved.

"It's a bit of a rip the bandaid moment. Transitioning is never easy but there's so much stuff I want to do off the field … I guess there's another life I want to pursue.

"I'm not old, I'm 31, and no doubt I believe I could contribute on the field.

"But I really want to dedicate my 30s to embark on this journey to create something pretty special. What that is I haven't quite nailed it, but I know it's going to be good and it's going to be fun."

Bummed to hear @sandorearl, but you have had quite the rugby league journey! Well done mate 👏 https://t.co/01QhiuBjii

— Katie Brown 🤸🏼‍♀️ (@katiebrownaus) December 4, 2020

Earl played 56 first grade games after making his NRL debut for the Sydney Roosters in 2009.

His career was hampered by a four-year suspension for using performance enhancing substances, but the Storm granted him an opportunity to return to the NRL in 2018.

Plagued with injury, Earl has played eight games in the past two seasons, scoring three tries for Melbourne.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Earl was limited to just a couple games this year.

Born in Wellington, Earl also played one match for the New Zealand Māori rugby league team in 2010.