The 2025 NRL season is done and dusted but the rugby league news keeps rolling.<\/p>\n
Follow all the latest developments in our Off Season Central.<\/p>\n
Watch every game of the 2025 Pacific Championships LIVE on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1<\/a>.<\/p>\n MANLY STAR FACING MEDICAL RETIREMENT<\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Manly\u2019s veteran hooker Lachlan Croker is reportedly facing medical retirement in a major blow to their 2026 premiership hopes and long-term No.9 plan.<\/p>\n Channel 9\u2019s The Mole<\/a> reported Croker may be forced to retire after battling a knee injury and concussion issues over the past couple of seasons. <\/p>\n Manly are in talks with the NRL about the possibility of a medical retirement for Croker and salary cap dispensation to help the club move forward in search of another hooker. <\/p>\n Croker played just four games last season and only 20 over the last two years after a consistent stream of injury setbacks. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a real pity because Lachlan is a fine player and an even better person,\u201d a Sea Eagles insider told Channel 9<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s had a couple of surgeries on the knee and then suffered a serious concussion in training midway through the year.<\/p>\n \u201cThe medical retirement is a complicated process that we are just exploring with the NRL.\u201d<\/p>\n Croker has one year remaining on his deal at Manly in 2026 and has played 126 games for the Raiders and Sea Eagles since his debut in 2016, scoring 20 tries. <\/p>\n MORE NEWS<\/p>\n PAC CHAMPS TALKING PTS: $13m star\u2019s alarming remark; Origin star exodus soars<\/a><\/p>\n CRAWLS: Awkward truth in mysterious R360 clause; rival\u2019s Bellamy bid defies belief<\/a><\/p>\n