Fiji Bati rep Eloni Vunakece has been forced into premature retirement after suffering 10 suspected concussions in the space of a year.

Sydney Morning Herald reports Vunakece copped the latest head knock while playing for the Roosters’ feeder club, Wyong, in their finals loss to Canterbury.

The Fijian international rose to prominence during the 2016 season when he made nine NRL appearances for the Roosters.

Fans quickly fell in love with the afro-haired prop who had to wait until his 28th birthday to play first grade and subsidised his football income with work as a garbage collector.

Meanwhile, in the NRL grand final Melbourne Storm plays Sydney Roosters at 9.20 tonight and you can watch it live on FBC TV.