Bulls legend Michael Withers has been forced to quit the game after failing to recover from a knee injury.

The Australian, who joined Wigan over the winter after eight glorious years at Odsal, underwent keyhole surgery after sustaining the injury against Leeds in April.

He hoped to return to action against Wakefield this weekend after missing ten matches but broke down in training on Tuesday and has now retired with immediate effect.

Full back Withers, 31, said: "It's heartbreaking to have to end in this way. I now need another operation 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 hope to have the operation this week and 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."

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

"It was hoped that the operation (in April) 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, he broke down and our medical team advised him that he would now need major surgery, which effectively means he cannot play again.

"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."