Brodie Jones has retired at 28 after 92 NRL games, following his final appearance for the Knights on Saturday.
He played in Newcastle's NSW Cup preliminary final against Newtown Jets, losing 30-14 as the Knights were eliminated; Newtown will face Penrith Panthers for the premiership.
On Sydney Sports Radio, Jones said March surgery removed damaged bone from his left foot.
"The bone in my left foot that they took out was in pieces, so it now feels a lot better than it did," he said.
"Being out has been frustrating mentally, so it's been a real challenge, but it's great to be back."
He returned in May after two months' recovery and made 10 NSW Cup appearances, including three regular-season games and two finals.
In May, he said golf could be a professional pathway while off-contract for 2027.
The Cessnock junior came through Newcastle's Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Jersey Flegg pathways.