North Queensland will be looking to jump into the deep end of the player market with news that 245-game veteran Ben Hannant has announced his retirement.
While the 31-year-old re-signed with the Cowboys three weeks ago, a chronic knee injury will cut short his career at 12 seasons.
“Ben’s contribution to this team over the past two seasons can never be undervalued,” Cowboys general manager Peter Parr said at the time of the re-signing.
“His experience from more than a decade playing professional rugby league at the highest level is something he has willingly passed on to our emerging forwards.”
According to Channel 9 journalist Ben Dobbin, Hannant informed Cowboys management Tuesday night that he could not no longer go on.
Hannant conceded that life post-footy contributed to the decision.
“I’ve got a couple of injuries at the moment, so I’m just trying to get that right.," Hannant told The Gold Coast Bulletin.
“I’m at the point where I’m pretty happy with where we are as a family, I’m happy with the footy I’m playing, it’s just making sure that my body’s all right – I want to be out there running around with my kids.
“That’s a decision I’ll make with my family when the time’s right.’’
The prop forward played 12 Origins for Queensland, six tests for Australia and won two premierships – one with Brisbane and one with North Queensland