One of rugby league's last great characters Sam Thaiday has announced that he will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season — and he did so in his own unique way.

Thaiday was visiting a retirement village in Brisbane on Friday when he chose to make the announcement dressed as an aged version of himself in a wig and make up.

"I've always been a bit different in everything I've done — but I've always been true to myself and done things my way," Thaiday told broncos.com.au.

"So this is my way of being remembered.

"Because if you don't remember my incredible rugby league resume, how are you going to forget that footy player that announced his retirement dressed up as himself as an old man?

The 33-year-old forward has had a stellar career since joining the Broncos in 2003, playing 294 NRL games with the Brisbane club.

Thaiday also won 32 Kangaroos caps — although was not considered for last year's World Cup — and played 29 State of Origin games for Queensland during the "decade of dominance" — winning 11 out of 12 series.

Sam Thaiday has scored 40 tries for the Broncos in his 16-year career. ( AAP: Dan Peled )

"I've been lucky enough to be a Bronco for 16 seasons, and played for my state and my country.

"I've seen the game change – from 12 to eight interchanges, from one to two referees, to the bunker, live streaming, and the effect of social media.

"I'm definitely one of the lucky ones who has turned a fun game I played as a kid into a job I love as an adult. "But my time has come.

"Thank you all for the support throughout my career thus far, and of course for the rest of the season."

Thaiday was told last year by the Broncos that his contract would not be renewed past this season, at which point he said he would listen to his body before deciding whether to pursue more playing time at another club.

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However, in typlically entertaining fashion, Thaiday alluded to his choice of dress as indicative of his state of mind.

"To be honest, this is probably a true reflection on how I've been feeling over the past couple of seasons." Thaiday said.

"I feel old, sore, tired and definitely balding as well." he added to much laughter from the residents at the retirement village.