MICHAEL Crocker won't achieve his goal of leading the Rabbitohs to a title, with a persistent knee injury forcing the South Sydney captain into retirement.

The five-time grand finalist, 33, only managed three games this year before undergoing surgery and not adequately recovering.

The former Test and Origin star won't play another NRL game, with his knee now “unable to meet the demands of professional football”.

The announcement comes with the Rabbitohs hot $1.42 favourites to reach their first grand final in 42 years with a preliminary final victory over the Manly Sea Eagles on Friday night.

“After undergoing surgery in April my focus has been to get back on the field. My goal was to captain South Sydney to a grand final win and to play again next season,” Crocker said.

“It has been a challenging year and I have explored every possible option to get myself back playing.

“Unfortunately, I have arrived at the point where my knee is unable to meet the demands of professional football.

“Sadly this means I will be unable to play for the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the remainder of this season.”





media_camera Brett Finch (left) tries to lift teammate Michael Crocker when he was at the Roosters. Picture: Brett Costello

After debuting for the Roosters in 2001, Crocker achieved just about every major accolade in the game.

In five seasons at the Roosters, he was part of the 2002 premiership side, as well as the 2003 and 2004 grand final teams.

Crocker then moved to Melbourne, where he played a key part in the 2007 premiership (later stripped due to the salary cap scandal) and 2008 grand final side.

In one of his most famous moments, Crocker put a huge hit on Brett Stewart during the 2007 grand final, knocking the Manly superstar out and turning the match in Melbourne's favour.





media_camera Michael Crocker (top) lays a huge hit on Brett Stewart during the 2007 grand final, knocking him out and turning the decider in Melbourne's favour. Picture: Phil Hillyard

He moved back to Sydney with the Rabbitohs in 2009 and notched 68 games, named Club Captain for 2013.

In representative football, Crocker notched 13 Origins for Queensland and six Tests for Australia.

“It has been an incredible 13 years playing in the NRL and my career has been blessed,” Crocker said.

“I am honoured to have played for my state and country and I am privileged to have experienced grand final success at both the Roosters and Melbourne Storm.

“I have played at three fantastic clubs, coached by arguably some of the best coaches of all time.

“I have enjoyed every success that football has to offer and most importantly I have made lifelong friends along the way.”





media_camera Justin Poore and Michael Crocker (right) during a famous Origin brawl. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Biography:

Name: Michael Crocker

Date of Birth: 21 June 1980

Place of Birth: Sydney, NSW

Height: 185cm

Weight: 100kg

Position: Utility forward

Junior Club: Norths Devils (Qld)

First Grade Debut: Roosters vs Bulldogs, Sydney Football Stadium, 25 March 2001 (Rd 6)

Rabbitohs Debut: Rabbitohs vs Tigers, Sydney Cricket Ground, 17 May 2009 (Rd 10)

First Grade Clubs and Games: 204 games

- Sydney Roosters (92 games from 2001-05);

- Melbourne Storm (44 games from 2006-08);

- South Sydney Rabbitohs (68 games to date from 2009-13)

First Grade Points: 278 from 32 tries and 75 goals

Representative Honours: - Six Tests for Australia (2003-08);

- 13 State of Origin matches for Queensland (2003-09);

- Prime Minister’s XIII (2011)

Achievements: - Five Grand Final appearances (2002-04, 2007-08)

- Two Grand Final victories (2002, 2007)

- Captaincy leadership group member of the South Sydney Rabbitohs (2012)

- Captain of the South Sydney Rabbitohs (2013)

- Two State of Origin Series wins with Queensland (2008-09)

- Bob McCarthy Clubman of the Year Award at the Rabbitohs