South Sydney and North Queensland forward Ethan Lowe forced to retire after suffering a neck injury

Ethan Lowe is as tough as they come but a neck injury has forced him to retire following a stellar career, including a premiership with North Queensland in 2015.

Rabbitoh's Ethan Lowe has been forced to retire after suffering a neck injury. Picture. Phil Hillyard

South Sydney and premiership-winning North Queensland forward Ethan Lowe has been forced to retire after suffering a neck injury earlier this season.

Lowe has confirmed that 2020 will be his final season in the NRL, hanging up the boots with a title, dual-grand final appearances, and as a Queensland State of Origin player.

The 29-year-old required surgery after hurting his neck injury in the Rabbitohs’ round 10 loss to Newcastle.

Now based on medical advice, it has been decided that it is best for him to retire.

Lowe, a Goondiwindi Boars junior, played 143 NRL games for the North Queensland and Souths since making his first-grade debut for the Cowboys against the Gold Coast Titans in round 12, 2013.

He played a total of 108 NRL games for the Cowboys including two grand finals in 2015 and 2017, winning the Cowboys’ maiden premiership in 2015.

Ethan Lowe on a break during the 2015 NRL Grand Final between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The durable backrower played a total of 35 NRL games for Souths since joining the club in 2019, going on to represent Queensland in the State of Origin series that year.

Lowe paid tribute to everyone that has assisted over him over many years to become an NRL and representative footballer.

“I’m disappointed with how my football career has come to end in this fashion, however I’m excited about what the future could hold,” Lowe said.

“I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve been able to live my dream for almost ten years, playing at the top levels of the game with guys that will be my friends for life.

“I would like to thank everyone that has been involved in my career over the years, both off and on the field, from the Rabbitohs, the Cowboys, the Pride, the QRL, right back to my time as a kid playing in Goondiwindi.

“I’d especially like to thank my family and my partner Kate for allowing me to do what I do and to have provided such great support to me over the years.

“It’s been a fantastic ride, having the opportunity to represent Queensland, win a premiership and play for some great clubs.

“This won’t be the end of my time involved in rugby league and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in life.”

Lowe scored 24 tries and kicked 69 goals for a total of 234 points in his 143 NRL games, as well as kicking four goals for Queensland.