LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Gold Coast Titans' promising talent, Sam Stephenson, has been compelled to retire at just 19 due to health reasons.
Stephenson, recognized as one of the brightest young outside backs in rugby league, was a two-time representative for the Under-19s Queensland Maroons and was included in the 2024 Australian Schoolboys squad. His medical retirement is a significant loss for a player who was on the verge of a successful career in the sport.
As the son of former NRL players Paul Stephenson, who played for Cronulla Sharks and Manly Sea Eagles, Sam had high hopes for his rugby league journey. This past season, he demonstrated his potential by scoring eight tries in eight appearances in the QLD Cup.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Stephenson expressed his gratitude, stating, "Firstly, I just want to say thank you to everyone who made my journey the way that it was, all the camps and all of the training sessions, I couldn't thank you all enough."
"Sometimes, life changes the path you thought you'd be on," he continued. "It's not ideal having to medically retire at 19 but your health is more important." Despite the abrupt end to his playing career, Stephenson remains optimistic, adding, "Although my journey is being cut short, I'll forever carry the memories, friendships, and love for the sport."