Brodie Jones has ended his 92-game NRL career and will pursue professional golf at age 28.
The Newcastle Knights forward announced the decision Saturday on Sydney Sports Radio after Newcastle's NSW Cup preliminary-final defeat against Newtown.
Jones debuted for the Knights in 2020 and made 92 NRL appearances for the club.
His 2026 season produced only four first-grade games because injuries and reserve-grade commitments restricted his opportunities.
The Newcastle Herald reported in May that Jones was considering golf as a possible new career.
"There is a potential pathway there in golf that's been spoken about," he said at the time.
"The body is a bit banged up but I want to give the Knights everything I've got for the rest of the season first and then see what happens footy-wise before I worry about anything else."
Journalist Steven Russo reported Saturday that Jones had committed to trying golf.
Jones underwent foot surgery in March before returning from the injury.
"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."
Supporters praised his professionalism and character online, with one writing: "Good on you Brodie! A great guy on and off the field."
His announcement came one day before the Knights defeated the Warriors in Auckland to reach an NRL preliminary final against Penrith.