Jack Reed

Always a fan favourite at the Brisbane Broncos, Jack Reed added some English flair to the side over the years and was a strong performer.

Unfortunately, the injury curse has struck the English international, as he has been forced to retire due to a chronic shoulder issue.

Despite surgery and intensive rehabilitation, Reed’s shoulder has not fully recovered and after advice from the medical team, he made a decision to step down.

Reed, who played in 126 games for the Broncos and represented England on five occasions, was praised by the club for his contributions.

“It is a disappointing end for Jack but he can be very proud of what he has been able to achieve in his six years at the Broncos,” said chief executive Paul White.

“He came to us on the chance of a pre-season and in one year went from being a Queensland Cup player to a Test representative.

“He also played in an NRL grand final last year.

“We thank Jack for his efforts, and wish him and his lovely young family all the best for the future.”

Always a larrikin, Reed took the spotlight off himself for a minute and made a cheeky remark aimed at Broncos captain, Corey Parker.

“Everyone dreams of that fairytale send off and playing until your late sixties like ‘Parky’, but it wasn’t to be for me,” he said.

Reed was a popular character among the group for that very reason and half the Broncos team showed up at his press conference on their rostered day off.

It was not a decision that Reed made lightly but after speaking with his family, it was the right one to make.

“I sat down with my family, my beautiful wife and obviously, it wasn’t an easy decision,” Reed said.

“But at the end of the day, being a father rather than a football player was a ‘no brainer’. They have been so supportive through it all.

“I knew in myself I wouldn’t be able to come back to the level needed to play with the boys.

“But I knew it was best for me.”

Waking up in pain every day and not being able to hold his daughter was the icing on the cake in terms of his decision.

“When you wake up for the last two months in pain and you can barely hold your daughter, it’s a tough one,” Reed added.

“You have to take a look in to your future and at the end of the day football is a small bubble in your life.

“You play until you are 30 years of age and you have another 70 years of living after that. I’d rather live healthy.

“I’d rather be out the back kicking the footy around with my daughter than getting gingerly off the couch because I pushed my body too far.”

By ricky

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