YORK City Knights veteran Craig Forsyth has confirmed he has brought his career to a close.

The prop has not played for the Knights since the Northern Rail Cup win at Featherstone on February 22 after which he stepped aside because of work commitments.

He has since thought about returning but instead decided he would be letting down the club if he couldn't give the game the required dedication.

"I have retired," the 35-year-old told the Press. "I had a word with Mick Cook (head coach) after the Fev game and explained I was under a lot of pressure at work and I couldn't put 100 per cent in for the rugby.

"He said, 'have a few weeks off and see how you feel when you've sorted the work commitments out,' but work took off even more.

"I did not feel I could give the quality time needed to progress with the Knights and I made the decision then that I would retire.

"I have considered going back in the last couple of weeks but it's just a case of not being able to give the right amount of time to it. It would not be fair to Cooky and the rest of the lads. You've got to give it 100 per cent. It's unfortunate but it's something that can't be helped."

Forsyth admitted his age and the stage of his career - he has already put off retirement a few times in recent years - figured in his deliberation.

"I've also got business interests outside of rugby league that I've not pushed as far as I could or should have done in the last five years due to the rugby," he added.

"Looking to the future I would like to keep my working years to a minimum and I'd prefer to push my work now and not work when I'm older."

Forsyth, a former Heworth ARLC junior and the son of former York star Colin Forsyth, first turned professional with the old Scarborough club in 1991-92, playing 15 times for the Pirates.

He first played for York in 1995 after a spell back in the amateur game and a turn with Wakefield Trinity's 'A' team.

He had three spells in total with his home-town club, the latest following a stint with Doncaster Dragons for whom he played 51 times between 2001 and 2003.

His three spells with York amassed 83 starts and 50 substitute appearances. Included in this are his three years with the Knights, which comprised 14 appearances in 2003 after he signed midway through the club's inaugural season, 29 in 2004, 11 last year after his start to the season was stalled by injuries, and one this season.

He said he had loved his career. "It's been brilliant. I'd recommend playing rugby to anyone.

"I've got some great memories at various clubs, not least York on the three occasions I've been there. There have been a lot of good laughs, good wins and good games."

Updated: 08:48 Monday, May 08, 2006