Premiership winner and State of Origin star Justin O’Neill announces retirement from NRL

Dual premiership-winning centre Justin O’Neill has announced his immediate retirement from the NRL.

The North Queensland Cowboys and Queensland Maroons star cited a persistent knee injury as his reason for hanging up the boots.

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O’Neill, who made his first grade debut with the Melbourne Storm in 2010, said while he was “disappointed” to be retiring from the game, he would look back on his time in the NRL fondly.

“I am disappointed my career has come to an end. Starting out in 2010 I had a small goal in my head which was to hopefully play until I was 30 and I’ve done that. I am very grateful for the career I have had and the success and friendships I have gained along the way,” O’Neill said on Friday.

“I have had some amazing experiences which were only made possible through a career in the NRL, and I’m very thankful for everything the game has given me over the years.

“I want to thank everyone who has played a part, big or small in my career, including the two clubs I played my footy with – the North Queensland Cowboys and the Melbourne Storm. I would like to express a special thank you to the Cowboys for the opportunity in 2014 to further my career and the support they have given me and my family over the last seven years.

“Lastly, I would like to say a huge thank you to my family, especially my wife for all her support and my parents for everything they did to give me the best opportunities growing up.

“I am looking forward to my next chapter in life and taking on new roles in whatever lies ahead.”

At his peak, O’Neill was one of the most damaging centres in the NRL. He was an integral member of both the Storm’s 2012 and the Cowboys’ 2015 premiership-winning sides.

He scored a try in both grand final victories and, to date, is the only player ever to win a premiership with both the Cowboys and the Storm.

O’Neill also featured in the Cowboys’ 2017 grand final loss to the Storm.

O’Neill’s strong form at club level was rewarded with Origin selection four times. He was a member of Queensland’s 2016 series win and played his final Origin game in the 2017 opener.

During the 2016 Four Nations tournament, he twice represented Australia.

Injuries restricted O’Neill to 30 appearances across the last three seasons. He played his final NRL game in the Cowboys’ round 14 loss to Manly this season.

Cowboys head of football Michael Luck said the club was “devastated” to be losing O’Neill prematurely.

“We are devastated Justin has had to retire early due to injury,” he said.

“Justin has given terrific service in his seven seasons at our club. He was a class player and a massive contributor to the 2015 premiership and the golden run the club had during that period.

“The way he has handled the past couple of seasons as he has battled knee injuries has been brave and has set a terrific example for our younger players with his commitment to preparation and recovery.

“On behalf of everyone at our club, I would like to wish Justin and his family all the best for the future.”

O’Neill’s retirement leaves Kyle Feldt, Jason Taumalolo and Jake Granville as the only members of the 2015 premiership-winning side who remain with the club.

The Cowboys, who are destined for a bottom-four finish in 2021, will hope the additions of Peta Hiku and Chad Townsend to the roster next season can help restore the side to its former glory.