St George Illawarra stalwart Dean Young says he has "given everything'' to rugby league but ultimately had no choice but to retire.

The 28-year-old confirmed this morning that the 2012 NRL season would be his last, citing an ongoing knee problem as the primary influence behind his decision to call it quits at the end of the year.

‘‘I would love to continue on forever but unfortunately my knee just won't afford me that opportunity,’’ Young said.

‘‘I've given everything. I've done more than I've anticipated in the game.’’

Young admitted he considered retiring last year due to his chronic knee problem, but chose to play on.

Young was contracted with the Dragons until the end of 2014, but has been forced to rethink his plans.

He has been severely hindered by the left knee injury since it first struck him down in 2006.

He played only three games the following year and has been forced to undergo extensive recovery periods between games ever since.

Young has managed to mostly overcome the setback to date with his tailored schedule, forming an instrumental part of the Dragons’ 2010 premiership and also representing NSW and Australia.





Illawarra Mercury