BREAKING | One Of The "Nicest Guys In Rugby League' Is Set To Announce Shock Retirement

Sad news.

Photo: Getty Images

Wests Tigers hooker Matt Ballin has announced his immediate retirement from the NRL.

The 33-year-old has been restricted to three games over the past two seasons because of back-to-back knee injuries.

He played in two grand final victories with Manly in 2008 and 2011 and played one State of Origin for Queensland as well as 220 first grade matches.

“I never thought I’d play in the NRL, I never thought I’d accomplish that,” said Ballin, on www.weststigers.com.au.

“To do that at the Sea Eagles was one of the first steps in a long career that I’ve been very lucky to have. Just playing first-grade was a massive accomplishment for me and something I’d always wanted to do since I was a young kid."

Ballin will stay with the Wests Tigers for the rest of the year, playing a a major role in the club’s community programs.

Ballin played 220 NRL games since making his debut in 2007, winning Premierships with the Manly in 2008 and 2011 and representing Queensland in the 2010 State of Origin series.

- Additional reporting AAP