A chronic shoulder injury has forced North Queensland Cowboys half Michael Morgan into retirement.
Players always wish to go out on their own terms but at times, doing so is not possible when injury strikes.
For Michael Morgan, the decision comes after complications arose with his right shoulder following an injury in round two.
Taking onboard medical advice, new damage to his shoulder was found and Morgan made the decision to retire.
Born and bred in Townsville, Morgan played in 168 NRL games for the club and scored 58 tries.
Perhaps the most historic moment of his in Cowboys’ folklore came in the 2015 grand final.
Needing a score to tie the game up, it was Morgan’s flick pass to winger Kyle Feldt that ultimately contributed to the Cowboys’ win.
Although this is not how Morgan had planned to leave the game, he is proud of what he has achieved as a player.
“This is not the way I envisioned my career finishing, but I’m retiring knowing I gave myself every opportunity over the last 12 months for my shoulder to be strong enough to continue playing,” Morgan said.
“Unfortunately, the end result was out of my control.
“Even though I’m hanging up the boots at 29, I’m extremely proud of everything I achieved over the course of 12 seasons as an NRL player.”
Morgan is also proud that he was able to have such a long association with the Cowboys and thanked everyone involved in his career.
“As someone who was born and raised in Townsville, the opportunity to join the Cowboys as a 16-year-old was fulfilling a life-long dream and I’m grateful for every moment at this great club,” Morgan continued.
“Listing every person who contributed to my career would be impossible, but to all my teammates, coaches, everyone who supported me throughout my career, including Cowboys members and fans and most importantly my family – thank you.”
