28/03/2025
Justin Olam Announces Immediate Retirement from Rugby League Due to Injury
Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league due to a knee injury sustained in Round 18 of the 2024 NRL season.
Olam, who played 13 matches for the Tigers in 2024, has been a pivotal figure in the NRL since his debut in 2018. A proud Papua New Guinean international, Olam’s legacy extends beyond the field, as he became a trailblazer for rugby league in his home country.
Throughout his career, Olam played 117 NRL games, including 104 with the Melbourne Storm, where he won the 2020 NRL Premiership. Known for his fierce defence and explosive running, Olam earned the Dally M Centre of the Year award in 2021 and built a storied reputation both in the NRL and internationally.
From his modest beginnings in the remote village of Gon in Papua New Guinea, Olam’s journey was one of determination and heart. Reflecting on his career, Olam said, “I came here hoping just to play one game, and I’ve been blessed a hundred times over to have played more than 100.”
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson and Head Coach Benji Marshall both paid tribute to Olam’s remarkable contributions to the game. Marshall described Olam as “one of the greatest players to represent PNG,” calling him an icon of international rugby league.
Olam expressed his gratitude for his supporters, saying, “Thank you to all my friends, family, and anyone who has supported me throughout my rugby league journey—I appreciate you all.”
As he steps away from the field, Olam leaves behind an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations to chase their dreams, both in Australia and back home in PNG.
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