New Gold Coast signing Brenton Lawrence announces his retirement without playing a game

NEW Titans signing Brenton Lawrence has announced his NRL retirement without playing a game in his second-stint on the Gold Coast.

Brenton Lawrence? at Gold Coast Titans training at Parkwood on November 28, 2017. Picture: Supplied

BRENTON Lawrence will not get a chance to don the Titans jersey once again, after announcing his retirement from rugby league.

The forward was set to play for the Gold Coast next season — after debuting with the club in 2011 — but has decided to retire from the game because he can no longer handle the rigours of an NRL season.

Lawrence had agreed to return to the Titans on a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old returned to his old side from the Sea Eagles but made the decision to hang up the boots after starting pre-season with the Titans earlier this month.

“It’s with mixed emotions I make this decision,” Lawrence said in a statement.

“I would love to feel like a 20-year-old and have many more seasons ahead, (but) the reality is I’m not and I believe this is the best decision for the team, and for myself.”

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Titans coach Garth Brennan and CEO Graham Annesley both praised Lawrence for putting the club first.

Annesley has indicated that they may now find an off-field role for Lawrence.

“We are currently talking to Brenton about how we can keep him involved with the Titans,” Annesley said.

Lawrence played 86 matches for Manly.

“He is a quality person with an enormous amount of experience who can be a real asset for the club in a variety of areas off the field.

“His honesty in putting the club ahead of his own personal interests is a mark of the man he is.”

Originally published as New Gold Coast signing Brenton Lawrence announces his retirement without playing a game