Gold Coast Titans hooker Aaron Booth has today announced he will retire from playing the game.
Booth made his Titans debut in 2022, with a serious knee injury cutting short his season.
After conversations and advice from medical professionals, Booth has made the decision to hang up his boots.
He will remain at the Titans, taking on an administrative role with the organisation while also continuing his position as an assistant coach with the club’s NRLW team.
Gold Coast CEO Steve Mitchell says the club was determined to keep Aaron as a Titan into his retirement.
“Aaron is a fantastic individual and I’m so pleased that he will remain around our club,” Mitchell said.
“I’m disappointed that injuries cost us seeing the best of Aaron Booth on-field, but I’m excited for him to move into the next phase of his career.
“Aaron has a great footy brain and he is already showing his talents as a coach under Karyn Murphy in our NRLW program.
“He will also move into an administrative role which will allow him to be involved in the business side of the club as well as his coaching duties.”
After stints at South Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast, Booth says he reached the decision to retire after completing a long rehab on his injured knee.
"Obviously I wanted to keep playing as I'm only 27, so it was a hard call to make," he said.
"After many conversations with medical opinions I trust, it is best for my long-term health that I make the decision to retire.
"I've probably been feeling it for a little while that it (knee) isn't getting back to the level I'd like it to be at.
"It was a gruesome injury and it's been a long recovery and unfortunately it's not going to get back to a level to handle the NRL schedule.
"I have come across so many people, clubs, coaches, communities and fans along my journey that it's hard to single anyone out.
"I simply want to say thank you to everyone that has contributed, I genuinely appreciate it all.
"My parents, partner, siblings and friends who have been on the inside of this journey - thank you most of all.
"I am so excited for this next chapter of my life and look forward to my new roles at the club."
