Parramatta Eels wrecking ball prop Peni Terepo disappeared during the 2020 season following the Blue and Gold's round six clash with the Sydney Roosters.
Whilst initially on the injury list, Terepo took time away from the game before deciding to retire at the end of the season.
Speaking to the Eels, Terepo said his body couldn't take the punishment anymore which was complicated by the fact he is also epileptic and has suffered from seizures during his playing career.
"Mentally I can cope with everything that comes with first grade, but sometimes the body just tells you to sit down," he said.
"Over the years it (epilepsy symptoms) started getting more frequent. The auras and the warnings. They're almost looking at a beehive, and the bees are buzzing and the bees are stinging you."
The Eels junior played his entire career with the club and said he has fond memories of the team and the players he played alongside.
"The Eels will always be my home. They've shaped me the way I am. My time at Parra over the last eight years were really in the trenches. There's people who were there at the time when we were in the trenches. I created long term relationships with the boys."
Terepo retires at the age of 28 and is proud of the fact he has been able to transition from the field into his own business.
"It's one thing to make it in first grade. It's another to make it out of first grade. I'm heaps grateful for the club because they persisted with me when I didn't know what I wanted to do.
"So I tried my hand at butchering and now I'm doing this everyday," he said.
Terepo, alongside his partner, now owns and operates Homies Butchery in Campbelltown, opening in November 2020.
Games: 123
Tries: 6
Debut: 2013
Representative: Tonga (10 games)
Peni Terepo running around Sonny Bill Williams and Mitchell Pearce:
Replies
Good for him. Wish him the best!
Well done Peni, enjoy your retirement mate. You were a warrior for us
Good luck to him, wish him all the best, your health is the most important thing. Glad he was able to realise this.
I was fond of Peni for a long time, just not so much recently. He was our best go forward and impact player not all that long ago.
Its good to finally know the reasons behind Peni finishing up as a RL player for the eels. Given the circumstances & more so the reasons, its a good move for Peni, as too many players who have injuries and other issues and keep playing only to finish to their own and the families detriment.
Thank you Peni for your time at the eels, a one club man, enjoy your new profession and may you and your family have a very succesful future. God bless you.
All the best!
Good luck, Peni, I hope your butcher shop venture is a big success.
Always ran hard onto the ball and gave his all, it's a shame his hands let him down at times. Thanks for your contribution, mate!
Those hands in a butchers will be outright dangerous.. all the best to him, sad to see him retire for health reasons
Fingers like sausages? This might not end well.
A true Eel Warrior committed to the Team and the Club.You deserve success in your new venture with your Family alongside of you.
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