Adam Blair to retire after 15-year career

Warriors forward Adam Blair has announced he'll retire from rugby league after this weekend's clash with Manly, ending a 15-season NRL career.

The 34-year-old had an option in his contract to play another season but decided now is the right time to hang up the boots.

"He has had a huge influence on our players, especially the younger ones, with the way he has gone about looking after himself," Warriors CEO Cameron George said of Blair.

"He sets extremely high standards off the field and in the way he prepares himself for every training session and every game.

"It would have been an incredibly difficult decision for Adam knowing he had the option to play on for another year but, in the end, Jess and the kids have come first.

"We can't thank Adam enough for what he has given to the game but he won't be lost to the Vodafone Warriors. He'll remain involved in a special role tailored to his strengths."

A former captain of New Zealand, Blair played six seasons with the Melbourne Storm, three at the Wests Tigers, three at the Brisbane Broncos and three at the Warriors, and last year became the second New Zealander behind Ruben Wiki to pass 50 Test appearances.