Bryan Norrie still coming to terms with doctor's call that led to his sudden retirement Australia's Junior Kangaroos go down to the Junior Kiwis for the first time in three years with a tense one point victory at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland Injury forced Bryan Norrie into a quick decision over his retirement. MELBOURNE Storm prop Bryan Norrie was not prepared for the end to come so suddenly. The 31-year-old had just finished another strong season and was looking ahead to 2015 with a year still remaining on his contract. He also just experienced the euphoria of the birth of his second son, Zane. Then it happened. "I've had issues with my neck, but nothing where it was affecting me," Norrie said. I played every game last year, but it was a bit stiff and sore every now and then. I got an MRI after the season finished and it didn't go down too well. I spoke to a doctor and surgeons and now that's how it all eventuated. He was told he needed a neck operation and advised it would be in the best interests of his long-term health to retire now. Just like that, his illustrious career was over. "It all happened pretty quickly," Norrie said. It still hasn't sunk in and I'm pretty shattered. I felt like I still had plenty of football in me. That's where it hit home a bit when you don't think your time is done but it is. But I couldn't be happier with what I've been able to achieve at the Storm. Reports are emerging several players have begun enquiring about moves to the NFL following Jarryd Haynes incredible decision to leave the NRL for American football Norrie's career at Melbourne is a great success story. He is a journeyman who played at St George-Illawarra, Penrith and Cronulla for little success. Low on confidence, he arrived at Melbourne in 2010 for "one final crack" at the NRL. "Craig (Bellamy) got my confidence back in myself," Norrie said. When I got here he told me if I'm willing to work hard and I train like a Storm player then there is no reason why I won't play first-grade. For some reason when he said that I genuinely believed he was fair dinkum in saying that. Bryan Norrie really found his place under Craig Bellamy at Melbourne Storm. Norrie was a reborn player at Melbourne. As well as playing consistently good football, he quickly became regarded as one of the club's best clubmen and hardest workers. He was soon promoted to the club's leadership group. The highlight being his role in the 2012 grand final win over Canterbury. He is remembered for taking the first carry of the day, charging into the teeth of the Bulldogs" defence. And also for his try late in the match, which was disallowed for being offside. "I have great memories of that day," Norrie said. The disallowed try is a bit of a laugh with the boys and rightfully so. I'll talk about that day for a long time. Norrie said he retires with many great memories that he will cherish forever. "I can't thank the club enough for giving me an opportunity five or six years ago," he said. I've managed to play 120 games here and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Originally published as Norrie looks back with no regrets