Wests Tigers center Justin Olam has officially announced his retirement due to a persistent knee injury that has plagued him for some time. This decision, made public on Friday, means that he will not be part of the Papua New Guinea team when it enters the NRL competition in 2028.
Olam has been a pioneering figure for rugby league in Papua New Guinea, beginning his journey in his local village and making history as the first player to transition from the PNG Hunters, a Queensland Cup side, to the NRL. He played a significant role in Melbourne Storm’s success, contributing to their 2020 premiership win and earning the Dally M Centre of the Year award in the subsequent season.
The 31-year-old’s career witnessed its peak performance while at the Storm, known for his formidable ball-running abilities. However, after joining the Tigers in 2024 as part of a swap deal for Shawn Blore, his ongoing knee issues hindered his capacity to perform at his best. Last season, he required platelet-rich plasma injections and underwent surgery during the summer to address the injury, which limited his pre-season participation and sidelined him from the start of the ongoing campaign.
Olam’s last appearance in the NRL was during the Tigers’ round-22 match against North Queensland, concluding his NRL career with 117 games played. The Tigers organization is reviewing the implications of his retirement concerning their salary cap, as they consider potential compensations linked to his injury.
“In my career, I came here hoping just to play one game and I’ve been blessed to have played over 100,” Olam shared. He expressed a desire that his journey might inspire young players both in Australia and back home in Papua New Guinea to pursue their aspirations.
The Tigers plan to honor Olam during their upcoming match against the Warriors and in the clash against his former club, the Storm, emphasizing his impact on the game and his legacy as a leading player for PNG. Coach Benji Marshall remarked, “He will go down as one of the greatest – if not the greatest – players to represent PNG.”
Olam’s retirement opens two spots on the Tigers’ top-30 roster, potentially allowing the club to pursue new talent as they aim to rebuild and strengthen their team. His contributions to the sport have established a hopeful path for aspiring players from Papua New Guinea, aligning with broader initiatives to nurture local talent and eventually develop an NRL presence in the region by 2028.
This moment, while bittersweet for Olam and his supporters, underscores the resilience and promise within rugby league, particularly in fostering new talent for the future.
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