Ben Hannant

Ben Hannant forced into 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.”