Manly Warringah Sea Eagles hooker Lachlan Croker has been medically retired from the NRL and will now move into coaching.
The decision for Croker to retire on medical grounds follows multiple concussions in the past two seasons, the most recent of which was in June this year while training.
The 28-year-old was restricted to just four NRL games in 2025, his final appearance for Manly being against the Titans on the Gold Coast in Round 15.
While still coming to terms with hanging up the boots, Croker is convinced it’s the right thing to do.
“My body is in good shape, but my head is telling me it’s time,” he said.
“I’ve had one too many head knocks, and the last one was the last straw. As hard as I tried to get back playing, I just couldn’t as the symptoms persisted.
“Medical advice and the advice from people closest to me helped me arrive at this decision.
I know it’s the right thing to do for my long-term health.
Lachlan Croker
After eight seasons as a player at Manly, Croker will now mentor some of the Club’s brightest young talent as head coach of the Sea Eagles SG Ball Cup team.
“I’m excited about the next chapter in life and the transition into coaching,” Croker said.
“It’s a big responsibility heading up the Under 19s and helping the next crop of talent coming through.
“I’m really fortunate to have a great crew around me with Parks [Brad Parker] and Jack [Jack Johns] on board as my assistant coaches.
I want to make a positive impact in pathways and continue to play an important role for the Club.
Lachlan Croker
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold believes Croker has the right qualities to do well as a coach.
“This is a great opportunity to keep a recent player and someone with Manly DNA in our pathways program,” Seibold said.
Lachie is a hard worker, is well-educated, and I think he’ll make a fantastic transition from player to coach.
Anthony Seibold Sea Eagles Head Coach
“It was only a few years back he was awarded Manly’s Best and Fairest. The qualities that made him such a great player will serve him well in his next career path as a coach.
“I look forward to seeing Lachie’s development as a coach over the next few years.”
Croker made his NRL debut for the Canberra Raiders in 2016 before playing the first of 125 games for Manly in 2018.
