North Queensland Toyota Cowboys outside back Javid Bowen has today announced his immediate retirement from rugby league on medical grounds.
Bowen suffered a horrific knee injury against the Sydney Roosters in Round 18, rupturing both his ACL and MCL.
After consultation with Cowboys medical staff, it was determined Bowen would not recover to a level required to play in the NRL.
Bowen was one of the feel-good stories of the 2021 season for the Cowboys. After appearing in 36 games between 2016 and 2019, the Hope Vale product was not offered a contract for the 2020 season.
New Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten offered Bowen a one-year deal in one of his first moves in the role. Despite suffering a serious shoulder injury just prior to Christmas, Bowen had forced his way into Payten’s side by Round 9 and responded with arguably a career best run of form.
In total, Bowen appeared in 45 games across five seasons for North Queensland, scoring 13 tries.
“Javid and our medical staff explored a number of different methods of rehab, but in the end the injury was one which wasn’t going to allow him to return to being the athlete he was previously,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
“This decision allows him to transition into the next chapter of his life and the club will continue to provide Javid with whatever support he needs to ensure he is successful.”
