Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam has announced his immediate retirement from the NRL after struggling with a long-term knee injury. The decision means the premiership-winning centre won't be available to play for the Papua New Guinea NRL team when it enters the competition in 2028.
Olam had been a trailblazer for rugby league in the Pacific nation, starting out playing in his local village with a sand-filled water bottle before becoming the first player to graduate from the PNG Hunters Queensland Cup side to the NRL. At his peak, Olam was the most devastating ball-running centre in the NRL, helping Melbourne to the 2020 NRL premiership and winning the Dally M Centre of the Year a season later.
His career never quite hit the same heights after joining the Tigers for 2024 in a swap deal for Shawn Blore, with a persistent knee injury largely to blame. The injury required the 31-year-old to undergo platelet-rich plasma injections last season and undergo off-season surgery over the summer. Olam barely participated in the 2025 Tigers' pre-season as a result of the injury and did not feature in the opening three rounds of the season.
Olam announced on Friday, March 28, 2025, that he had played the last of his 117 NRL games. His final game was the Tigers' round-22 loss to North Queensland at Leichhardt Oval last season.
"I came here hoping just to play one game, and I've been blessed a hundred times over to have played more than 100," Olam said. "Hopefully, I can inspire a young kid, whether here or back home in PNG, to chase their dreams."
The Tigers plan to honour Olam in Sunday's round-four clash against the Warriors on March 30, 2025, as well as during the clash against his former club the Storm on May 11, 2025.
Olam's retirement has sent shockwaves through the NRL community, with many recognizing the impact he has had on the sport. His journey from the remote village of Gon in Papua New Guinea to the heights of the NRL is an inspiring tale for many young athletes.
After consulting with Tigers medical staff, Olam made the difficult decision to retire, stating, "With God, anything is possible. I wish I could keep playing, but my body just won't allow it anymore." His heartfelt message resonated with fans and players alike, as Olam expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career.
Olam's career highlights include 104 appearances for the Storm, where he became a key player, and 13 games for the Tigers. His contribution to the game was recognized when he was named the Dally M Centre of the Year in 2021, solidifying his status as one of the best in the league.
"He will go down as one of the greatest - if not the greatest - players to represent PNG," said Tigers coach Benji Marshall. "It's been an absolute privilege having Justin at our club, and we wish him and his family all the very best in the next chapter of their journey."
Olam's legacy extends beyond the field, as he has opened pathways for future generations of Papua New Guinean athletes. His story serves as a reminder that with determination and hard work, dreams can be achieved, no matter where one starts.
As the NRL community prepares to celebrate Olam's contributions, his impact on the game will be remembered long after his departure. The Tigers' upcoming matches will serve as a fitting tribute to a player who has left an indelible mark on rugby league.
In conclusion, Justin Olam's retirement marks the end of an era for both the Wests Tigers and Papua New Guinea rugby league. His journey has inspired countless individuals, and while he may no longer be on the field, his legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of fans and aspiring players alike.
