The Penrith Panthers have had their second forward retire in as many weeks, with veteran prop Brent Kite officially hanging up his boots last Friday.
The 34-year-old joins Nigel Plum in hanging up his boots, after Plum announced his retirement last week.
Kite generally enjoyed a good run with injuries throughout his career, but ironically spent the majority of his final season out indefinitely, after breaking his leg during the round seven clash with the Gold Coast Titans.
Although he had been hopeful of a return to the field, with just two games remaining, Kite decided to call time on his career.
A Queanbeyan junior, Kite actually played international football before making his NRL debut, having represented Tonga at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.
Kite later made his first grade debut in round one of the 2002 NRL season for the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Coincidentally, his first year in the NRL was Ivan Cleary's last, making him the only Panthers squad member to have played against their coach.
Kite went on to play 67 games for the Dragons, before beginning a long stint at the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in 2005.
In his nine years at the Eagles, Kite played 221 games, won two premierships and a Clive Churchill Medal in the 2008 grand final.
He came to the foot of the mountain in 2014, where be celebrated his 300th NRL appearance, finishing his career with 313 games.
In addition to playing for Tonga at the 2000 and 2013 world cups, Kite played 14 Tests for Australia and 10 State of Origins for NSW.
Upon announcing his retirement from the game, Kite also confirmed his plans to auction his Clive Churchill Medal for the charity Spinal Home Help.
