Gold Coast Titans forward Brenton Lawrence has today announced his retirement from rugby league, effective immediately.

Lawrence signed a two-year contract with the club in August but since his arrival at the club, the 32-year-old has made the decision that his mind and body can no longer take on the rigours of an NRL season.

Lawrence made his NRL debut for the Titans in Round 16 of season 2011, playing 18 games for the club, through until the end of season 2012. The Central Districts (Adelaide) junior then moved to Sydney’s northern beaches playing 84 games for Manly, taking his tally to a total of 102 games at NRL level.

“It’s with mixed emotions I make this decision. I would love to feel like a 20-year-old and have many more seasons ahead, the reality is I’m not and I believe this is the best decision for the team, and for myself,” Lawrence said.

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in rugby league. I have experienced some of the best years of my life both at the Gold Coast Titans and the Manly Sea Eagles.

“I’ve been so fortunate through rugby league to create incredible memories and friendships that I hold very dear and I would like to thank everyone who has ever supported my career. It is something I have never taken for granted.”

Titans Coach Garth Brennan applauded Lawrence’s ‘club first’ attitude.

“Of course we would have loved Brenton to play for the club but he has made a selfless decision and I commend him for that,” Brennan said.

“He knows his body better than anyone else so he has made a personal decision that will keep him in good health down the track.

“Brenton is a player who has made an impact in the short time he has been back, and I, as well as all of the playing group wish him well for the future.”

CEO Graham Annesley has also indicated there may be a role for Brenton within a different area of the club.

“We are currently talking to Brenton about how we can keep him involved with the Titans,” Annesley said.

“He is a quality person with an enormous amount of experience who can be a real asset for the club in a variety of areas off the field.

“His honesty in putting the club ahead of his own personal interests is a mark of the man he is.”