The Panthers are closing in on salary cap dispensation for the freak injury which forced Tim Browne into premature retirement, freeing up money which could be used in its bid to retain boom halfback Nathan Cleary and a host of other stars.

Horror injuries: Tim Browne was forced to retire after suffering internal injuries during a NSW Cup match. Credit:NRL Photos

League Central is considering an application to have Browne's contract lifted off their books next year after the forward suffered a serious bowel injury in an Intrust Super Premiership match earlier this year.

So severe were Browne's internal injuries doctors said they only ever saw the like of which in car crash victims, forcing the 30-year-old to hang up his boots early.

He was in intensive care for two days after being rushed to hospital following the incident.