WIGAN Warriors today revealed a massive blow for both the player and the club when Michael Withers was forced to retire immediately on medical grounds.

Head Coach Brian Noble said: "This is a crushing blow for both Michael and ourselves.

"He underwent knee surgery after the Leeds game back in April.

"It was hoped that the operation would be successful and he would recover in time to play for us towards the end of the season.

"Unfortunately, that has not been the case although he has made a great effort to play again.

"In attempting a training session yesterday he broke down and our medical team advised him that he would now need major surgery which effectively means he cannot play again."

Noble continued: "Michael is devastated and so am I.

"I worked with him for a long time at Bradford and he has been a credit to Rugby League.

"Sadly, we cannot argue with surgeons and it is the end of the road for Michael."

Withers said: "It's heart breaking to have to end in this way.

"I now need another operation which is similar to the one that Andy Farrell had some years ago and it involves fracturing the knee to overcome the problem.

"It would be a year before I would be right again and even then it would involve great care.

"I think Kris Radlinski as well as Andy Farrell went through the same problem.

"I will be visiting the same surgeon and hope to have the operation this week.

"I would like to thank the Wigan club and especially the medical team who have worked so hard to help me.

"I am just so sorry that their efforts have been unrewarded.

"Wigan is a great club and I'm sure they have a bright future. I'm so sorry not to be part of it."