Newcastle veteran James McManus has been forced to retire due to continued concussion issues.

The Knights winger said he had put his family first.

“It is obviously a difficult decision but a decision I made for my young family,” McManus said.

“I could never have dreamed that when I moved from the Northern Territory to Newcastle, that I would have got to play one game let alone playing the game I love for 10 years.

“I am very privileged to have played my whole career at the one club and I am very honoured to have worn the Newcastle Knights jersey.”