MATT Gillett will not play football again in 2018 after the results of the latest scans on his serious neck injury.

While there is vast improvements in the small fractures in his neck that were suffered in the opening round of the season, Broncos' High Performance Manager Jeremy Hickmans said his long-term welfare was the only concern.

Gillett has been doing non-contact training for several weeks and even injured a calf muscle running two weeks ago.

But any thoughts of returning to try and help the Broncos in their chase for the NRL premiership have now been ruled out.

"In Matt's latest scan there has been a lot of improvement and he was very close to being cleared," said Hickmans.

"But the club and Matt agree it is the right thing to take the cautious approach to player welfare in this case.

"That will ensure an absolute minimum risk when he returns next year.

"In reality with his current calf problem and then with preparing to play again, Matt would have been unlikely to have been on the field before the finals.

"Of course having a player of his stature returning for the finals would be a boost.

"But in situations like this, the long-term health of the player is the only pressing concern."

Gillett said he was happy to abide by the advice and take the extra time to ensure his neck heals completely.

"Of course I am disappointed to not be out there with my team and to be missing playing footy," he said.

"But everything happens for a reason and I am more than happy to take the extra time that I need.

"At the end of the day footy is only a small part of life and other things such as my family are more important.

"Making sure I take the extra time sits fine with me, and I will just continue with my recovery and look forward to being back on the field in 2019."