NRL 2020: Tim Glasby forced to retire early due to ongoing concussion symptoms

The NRL career of Queensland Maroons and Newcastle Knights forward Tim Glasby is over in a move which is bound to once again bring focus to the physical price paid by those that play the game.

Tim Glasby of the Knights leaves the field following a head knock during the Round 3 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights at GIO Stadium, Canberra, Friday, March 29, 2019. (AAP Image/Rohan Thomson) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

The football career of Queensland Maroons and Newcastle Knights forward Tim Glasby is over, with the NRL approving his medical retirement on the basis of repeated concussions.

The hardworking State of Origin forward was notified last week of the NRL’s decision to ratify his retirement on medical grounds after two months of assessing his case.

Glasby will retire as a tough and influential forward for both the Knights and his previous club, the Melbourne Storm, with his career featuring a premiership ring from 2017 and 138 first-grade appearances.

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Tim Glasby’s NRL career has been cut short due to ongoing concussion symptoms. Picture: AAP Image/Rohan ThomsonY

News Sport first revealed the serious concerns for Glasby’s playing future and more importantly his health in July after the 31-year-old father of two had suffered ongoing concussion symptoms from repeated head knocks.

Glasby’s final game was against North Queensland, where he suffered a HIA and failed to return to the field during the Round 7 clash in June.

It was his second concussion this year while Glasby was stood down for a game last year after suffering two head knocks in three weeks.

As a result of the concussion against the Cowboys, Glasby underwent a series of neurological tests.

Tim Glasby played five games for the Maroons in 2017-19. Picture: Adam Head

He visited the Sports Concussion Clinic at the University of Newcastle, working with leading neurologist Chris Levi.

With the respected forward’s welfare their priority, the Knights informed the NRL of their request to formally apply for medical retirement in July.

It’s understood Glasby, who played five State of Origin games for the Maroons, is comfortable with the decision to retire and in the knowledge that by putting his health first, he can focus on his post-football career path as a financial planner.

Tim Glasby pictured with Cameron Smith in 2017. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

The Rockhampton junior, who made his NRL debut in 2013 with the Storm before going on to win the 2017 premiership with Melbourne, will remain inside the Knights COVID-19 “bubble” for the rest of the season with his big-game experience required to help guide the club into the first finals series in seven years.

Glasby was off-contract at the end of next season and while his premature retirement is unfortunate, his departure will provide salary cap room for the Knights to retain several off-contract stars, or recruit externally.

Originally published as NRL 2020: Tim Glasby forced to retire early due to ongoing concussion symptoms