Concussion symptoms force Dragons veteran to retire
Jasper Bruce |
St George Illawarra’s Tom Eisenhuth has retired from the NRL after struggling to overcome concussion symptoms.
The veteran forward experienced lingering symptoms after a concussion in the 2025 pre-season and they recurred when he suffered another head knock on return to the field via reserve grade last month.
The 32-year-old joins Dale Finucane, Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend and Andrew Davey as being forced into retirement by concussion in recent years as the NRL has shifted its culture on head contact for the better.
“This is a health decision based on putting my family first,” Eisenhuth said.
“There’s a lot of life after football. I want to be able to make the most of that and spend that time with my family.”
Eisenhuth retires with 83 NRL appearances to his name across stints with Penrith, Melbourne and the Dragons.
He made his debut for the Panthers as a 20-year-old in the 2012 season but needed to wait almost seven years for another chance at the Storm.
Eisenhuth was a member of Melbourne’s squad in their 2020 premiership season but did not feature in the grand final defeat of Penrith.
He enjoyed a career-best year arriving at St George Illawarra last season, playing every game and recording new personal-bests for offloads and tackles.
He is expected to transition into an off-field role at the Dragons, with the club still ironing out the specifics.
“Tom has been a wonderful asset to our team both on and off the field in his time here,” said Dragons coach Shane Flanagan.
“Last year he was one of our most consistent players and never let anyone down.
“We’re all really disappointed that he’s had to finish up early but we understand at this stage of his career he has to put his health and his family first.”
AAP
