Ken Nagas hangs up his Boots.

FORMER Super League Test winger Ken Nagas has retired after a radical new procedure on his damaged knee failed to save his career with the Canberra Raiders.

Nagas has failed to take the field this season for the Raiders after undergoing an operation in the NRL off-season which he hoped would extend his career.

The operation - which involved the injection of a silicone-like substance into the knee joint - allowed the 29-year-old to resume training, however, he was unable to stretch out.

"I have enjoyed the highest honours in a game I loved and couldn't wish for any more," Nagas said today.

"I am just disappointed that I couldn't get a few more games out of my old knee, but that's just the way it is."

Nagas, who will remain with the club in a junior development role, played 142 first grade games for the Raiders, winning a premiership in 1994.

He also played two State of Origin games for NSW and five Super League Tests for Australia.