His battle-weary legs may have forced his hand, but it is a simple message inscribed on his wrist which will act as the inspiration for Warriors prop Steve Price's 17th and final season in the NRL.

Price on Tuesday announced he would retire at the end of the season, which has yet to get started for the 36-year-old as he battles a heel injury which refuses to let up.

While he remains at a loss as to just when he will return to the field, Price said the mantra `Finish Strong' which adorns a wristband he wears every day would help motivate him during his final campaign.

"It's something that you think about a lot, but if it's there present on your wrist you'll do it," Price said during Tuesday's announcement in Auckland.

"I thought I'd be a blubbering mess sitting here today but I think it's more of a relief just to get it out there and get it known.

"Then I can really focus on getting back on the field."

But while his motivation may have more to do with the end, Price admitted his immediate focus was the present.

"I've got to actually start first," Price said of his injury torment.

"Unfortunately this off-season hasn't been the greatest.

"I had a few niggling injuries that had nothing to do with age but they were certainly injuries that kept me off the footy field.

"It's been frustrating but I've ... achieved so much in the game."

Price denied his pre-season axing from the club captaincy had any influence on his decision, with coach Ivan Cleary admitting the workhorse big man would be hard to replace.

"It's a little bit sad I guess today," Cleary said.

"It's a big hole and it's certainly hard to fill. I don't think you can directly fill it.

"The contributions he's made to this club just could never be understated.

"The thing about Pricey I've always found comforting is you just know exactly what you're going to get.

"I wish I had 17 guys like that every week, it would make life a lot easier."

Price played the first 11 seasons of his career with Canterbury before moving to the Warriors in 2005.

Still unsure when he will run out for the first time in 2010, the 107kg prop decided to make the call ahead of the Warriors' clash against his former club at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

The Bulldogs will help send off their former skipper by offering free entry to all NRL club members for the game against the Warriors - the same honour which was afforded Hazem El Masri late last year.

"I'm working as hard as I possibly can to get back as quick as I can," Price said.

He said his first priority was to get back on the field, though he hoped to return in time to push his claims for a berth in the Queensland side chasing a fifth straight series win.

"If you can achieve those types of things on the back of your Warriors form, then I'd love to be able to achieve that but I've got to get back on the field first."

Beyond NRL, Price is keen to put his recent business management degree in to practise, or work in television or radio.

He has played 313 games in the NRL, 15 Tests for Australia and 28 games for the Maroons, where his front-row combination with Petero Civoniceva has been crucial to Queensland's run of success.

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