Parramatta Eels forward Keegan Hipgrave forced to retired age 24
Keegan Hipgrave has been forced to retire, aged 24.
Parramatta Eels have announced that forward Keegan Hipgrave has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league.
Hipgrave and the club sought extensive medical advice following a concussion late in the 2021 season. Based off this advice, the forward has made the difficult decision to retire at the age of just 24.
He made his NRL debut with the Titans in 2017 against the Sydney Roosters before joining the Eels prior to the start of the 2021 campaign. The Australian-born second-rower made nine appearances in 2021.
He has made 49 appearances in his career, scoring three tries.
General Manager of football thanks Keegan Hipgrave
Parramatta Eels general manager of football, Mark O’Neill said: “Keegan Hipgrave has been a wonderful addition to our club. He is a very popular member of the team.
“While it’s a shame his career has prematurely come to an end due to injury, the health and wellbeing of our players is always our first priority
“We wish Keegan and his partner Izzy all the best of luck with their future.”
More on Keegan Hipgrave
Hipgrave represented Queensland Under-16s. He played his junior NRL for the Nerang Roosters before being signed for the Brisbane Broncos. Mid 2017, he made his NRL debut for the Gold Coast Titans.
He made his Parramatta debut against the Brisbane Broncos in 2021, round 1.
Elsewhere in rugby league
Former NRL star Johnathan Thurston has joined the North Queensland Cowboys coaching staff as a consultant. It marks Thurston’s first official role with the Cowboys NRL squad since calling time on his playing career following the 2018 season.
Wigan have announced the signing of NRL half-back Cade Cust a two-year deal, with the option of a third year.
Cust, 23, will join Wigan from Manly Warringah Sea Eagles where he played 27 games in the NRL, scoring nine tries.
In round 10 of the 2019 campaign, Cust made his NRL debut against Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and scored his first try for the Sea Eagles two games later against Penrith Panthers.