Parramatta Eels forward Anthony Watmough forced into premature retirement

Anthony Watmough has played his last NRL game.Watmough has told those close to him that he is losing his battle with a chronic knee injury and will be forced to retire immediately.The former NSW and Australian backrower hasn't played for Parramatta this season after struggling to recover from a knee operation. It's understood he will likely need to go under the knife again, so badly has his knee degenerated.Watmough signed a lucrative four-year deal with the Eels last season, but struggled to make an impact in the blue and gold due to knee and other serious injuries he has carried through a career that started at the Northern Eagles in 2002.When news broke last month that there were fears for his future, the man dubbed 'Choc' was determined to complete his rehabilitation and play some role in Parramatta's premiership campaign. However, it has become evident that the knee problem has got the better of him, with Watmough rarely spotted at the team's training sessions at Old Saleyards. In some of those he has participated in, the premiership-winning forward has barely been able to walk, let alone run at the intensity for which he is known.It is a sad end to a glittering career that spanned fourteen years in the top grade. While he finishes up at Parramatta - where he marked his milestone 300th game - Watmough will best be remembered for his feats with Manly.Watmough was part of the Sea Eagles side that won two premierships in a golden run that included 10 straight finals appearances. He was honoured as a life member of Manly, although he left in acrimonious circumstances when the club refused to offer him the money he wanted for a contract extension. He was subsequently released with a year remaining on his contract, transferring to arch rivals Parramatta on a long-term deal. The wisdom of signing a player in his thirties with such a long injury history has been debated ever since, given Watmough's deal takes up a big chunk of the Eels' salary cap.However, his premature retirement could be a blessing for a club that is facing the prospect of being docked points and being deemed not cap compliant due to a raft of dodgy contract deals.One of Watmough's third-party agreements is at the centre of the NRL's investigations. It's alleged Watmough's TPA with ScoreCube was not properly disclosed to head office, raising the prospect of heavy sanctions against the club. There is no suggestion Watmough, his management or the TPA provider did anything inappropriate, but his retirement could ease financial pressure his third-party agreement inadvertently created at the club.In a provision under the agreement between the NRL and the players' union, players suffering a career-ending injury are entitled to a full payout. The good news for Parramatta is the sum - in Watmough's case believed to be up to $2 million - won't count on the salary cap.It's believed the NRL will seek a full medical report before agreeing to any severance pay and that insurers will also make their own enquiries. It's understood that process will soon be underway, although an official retirement announcement is likely to be some time away.While he never came close to reproducing his best form for the Eels, his transfer likely had some positives. Watmough played a key role in luring another Sea Eagle, Kieran Foran, across to the blue and golds.The Eels have no shortage of backrowers, with Beau Scott, Tepai Moeroa, Manu Ma'u and Kenny Edwards among those capably filling the void.http://m.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/parramatta-eels-forward-anthony-watmough-forced-into-premature-retirement-20160409-go2g5u.html

"Just as important as our Moses inspired attack is our vastly improved defence of late. This team now works together when under threat and repels the opposition like never before. And this is true in all grades thru to our matts. Their is a…"

"There were also times where he got dropped, even a period where he was dropped by Brian Smith for half a season while Burt carved up NSW Cup, like he dominated and Smith wouldn't pick him and still stayed. He was a true club man and a Warrior."

Replies

Frank The Tank April 9, 2016 at 11:34pm

Sad news for Choc, great news for the club.

Choc all the best you've had a great career and I hope you enjoy the next stages of your life. Team man till the end.
Dave April 9, 2016 at 11:40pm

Sad news for Choc

but it was reported at the start of the year that this was going to happen even though there were quick denials by the club and player, but I do wonder if that was more to ensure that the insurance company and NRL came down in favour of the club and Choc for the payout.
eels_brad April 9, 2016 at 11:41pm

It seems an inevitable occurrence for Choc unfortunately. In saying that the same muppet who wrote this piece also wrote in tomorrow's paper that BA wants the NRL to sack our board or he'll quit and take Foz with him. Yet another article without a single quote or iota of fact..
Alan Hunt April 9, 2016 at 11:42pm

Sad way for Choc to go out, shame we couldn't see him and Scott in tandem they would have been brutal.

Frees up plenty of cash for us to chase a top line replacement for Junior.
Wile E. Coyote April 9, 2016 at 11:43pm

Sad end to a great career
Was looking forward to seeing a mended Choc take to the field this year
Beer Baron April 9, 2016 at 11:43pm

Coincidence??? Snake and others could this save is some??
- Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown > Beer Baron April 9, 2016 at 11:53pm
  
  As ive been saying for 6 months, choc had played his last game in eels colours, yes this relieves cap pressure but theres a bit more to this story that no doubt will come out down the track i recon.
  
  Well done to choc on an outstanding career and thanks to him for his efforts here and getting in the ear of Foz to come over, you will always be respected and welcomed at the Eels, once an eel always an eel.
- Beer Baron > Beer Baron April 10, 2016 at 12:32am
  
  Snake this is not the first time you've been asked, and you've obviously have said you know someone who is saying we will lose points and that there is more indiscretions than we know. Is there a reason you can't at least tell us what else the NRL knows? I mean there are that's my leaks to sink a ship. If for some reason you can't cant outright say it then is there another site or "clue" you could give engine to say it without saying it?u
- Beer Baron > Beer Baron April 10, 2016 at 1:23am
  
  Hmmm good point snakey I understand why now cheers!
Dave April 9, 2016 at 11:46pm

Funny thing is he was on MMM before the game still saying he was looking to make it back on the park once he gets a few training sessions into his legs