JAMAHL LOLESI has officially announced his retirement as a player and accepted a position on the Giants coaching staff.
The 31-year-old former New Zealand international had hoped to return to action at some stage after undergoing major back surgery 14 months ago.
Unfortunately, Lolesi has now had to admit defeat, but he is relishing the chance to take up a coaching position at the Galpharm after having had the chance to help out during his time recovering from his operation.
“It’s sad to hang the boots up, but I have known for a while that the back would not permit me to play again,” said Lolesi, who has played at Canterbury Bulldogs, Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders in the Australian NRL and earned two New Zealand international Test caps.
“The opportunity to stay at a club where I love working and with great people was too good to refuse and I’m looking forward to a successful season.
“I gave support and coaching last year, specifically to the outside backs, and thank Browny for giving me that chance.
“And this year I hope to repeat that, as well as helping out with the reserves, where we have some great prospects.”
Lolesi has always been a popular figure around the Galpharm, and Giants managing director Richard Thewlis is delighted he’ll be staying a bit longer.
“Jamahl more than proved his worth last year in difficult circumstances,” he said.
“He has the respect of all the players in every grade and made a great start to a coaching career last year, which was somewhat forced upon him because of injury.
“He will continue to work towards his coaching qualifications and will provide great assistance to Nathan Brown in first grade and Peter Riding in the younger teams.
“But no amount of badges can bring the key ingredients of enthusiasm, willingness to learn, respect and a proven playing record at the top level, which are qualities we want to keep within our club and which Jamahl brings.”
