After a horrific knee injury sustained last season, North Queensland Cowboys back Javid Bowen has been forced to retire.
The knee injury, which saw Bowen rupture both his ACL and his MCL, was a cruel blow for a player who was starting to make his mark.
The decision came on the advice of Cowboys medical staff who said that Bowen would likely not recover to the point where he could return to the NRL.
Playing in 45 NRL games and scoring 13 tries, Bowen, a Hope Vale product, was given well wishes by the club as he now transitions into life after footy.
“Javid and our medical staff explored a number of different methods of rehab, but in the end, the injury was one which wasn’t going to allow him to return to being the athlete he was previously,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
“This decision allows him to transition into the next chapter of his life and the club will continue to provide Javid with whatever support he needs to ensure he is successful.”