Hull FC forward Sika Manu has announced he will retire from playing at the end of the current Super League season. The 32-year-old second-row has enjoyed a distinguished playing career that includes winning the NRL title with Melbourne Storm prior to his move to Hull in 2016, while he also represented Tonga and New Zealand at the international level, helping the latter to World Cup glory in 2008.
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Manu has gone on to make over 100 appearances for Hull and he has also won two Challenge Cups during his time with the Airlie Birds. Hull currently sit fourth in the Super League standings and Manu is targeting a strong end to the season before he hangs up his boots, with his potential swansong coming in the Grand Final at Old Trafford in October. “Hopefully I will be able to give the supporters one last treat before I retire,” Manu told the Hull website.
“We’re still in with a chance of making the playoffs and potentially going on towards the Grand Final, so that is the aim for the rest of the season and I will give my absolute all to help the team get there.” Manu also confirmed that his decision to retire is not one he has made lightly, but he feels the time is right following a 12-year playing career. He added: “It was an extremely hard decision to make because I have had an enjoyable career, especially my time here at Hull, but I feel that the time is right to hang up the boots.”
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