After officially announcing his retirement, James McManus spoke to the media on Wednesday morning to reflect on his career and shed light on what he’s excited about in the future.
McManus made his NRL debut in 2007 and went on to play 166 games for the Knights, scoring 72 tries.
Injury had sidelined the 30-year-old indefinitely this season, before he was medically advised to call fulltime.
“It’s a game that has given me so many wonderful memories so it’s not an easy decision, but one that needed to be made,” he said.
“I’m blessed to have played for this great Club and it’s such a wonderful game.”
McManus, who was born in Scotland and moved from the Northern Territory to join the Knights, says he’s grateful for every opportunity he has received at the Club.
“It was a different sort of journey and pathway compared to most blokes,” he said.
“To play and debut in 2007 was just a dream come true and to then play so many games that I have played and rep games as well, it’s icing on the cake.”
McManus now looks to the future and prepares to take on a fulltime role from November as Business Development Executive at the Newcastle Knights.
“I have spent the last six months reflecting on it and really being able to enjoy what has happened,” he said.
“It’s nostalgic, but time to move on and try for new things.”
Watch the video above for the full press conference.
The Knights will celebrate James McManus' career this Sunday, with the flying Scotsman doing one final lap to farewell the fans before the NRL match kicks off at Hunter Stadium.
