AN innocent piece of advice put Ben Hannant’s Broncos career on thin ice but the Cowboys prop insists he is far from finished in the NRL.

Hannant will face the Broncos in Sunday’s NRL grand final, nine years after winning the 2006 premiership with Brisbane.

The former Maroons prop has been an NRL journeyman, playing 220 games for four clubs, but he has found a home in Townsville this year.

Hannant left the Broncos at the end of last season after his second stint at the club.

He was off contract when former coach Anthony Griffin found out he had offered informal advice to teammate Jarrod Wallace about what salary the rising forward could demand.

Griffin was later sacked and replaced by Wayne Bennett and Hannant said it was salary cap constraints that pushed him out of Red Hill.

“There was no room in the cap,’’ he said.

“It was a little bit frustrating but that’s footy and life.

RIDE ‘EM: Incredible story of the Cowboys early days

GONE: How the Bulldogs lost Thurston

“Everyone has those things in different jobs or fields. Things don’t always go the way you think they’re going to go.

“When one door shuts another one opens and it’s a pretty good door that’s opened up here.

“You make the most of your opportunities and learn from everything.’’

Hannant and Wallace have remained close, with the Broncos youngster saying he tried to not let the controversy affect him.

“What happened, happened and he’s moved on from that now and doing a great job for the Cowboys,’’ Wallace said.

FIRST LOOK: Foran joins blue and gold fold

HOLD UP: Why Thurston must wait for possible Immortality

“When I first got here I was pretty close with (Hannant). Our family used to go down there and hang out with his family.

“I’m stoked that he’s having a good year and gets to play in the grand final as well.’’

Hannant has hit a purple patch of form.

He has run for more than 100m in his past six games, including a monumental 224m against the Warriors, and recently signed a one-year contract extension.

“I’ve been happy with my form all year,” he said.

“There’ll be plenty more (seasons). I’m only 30.

“I don’t drink or party. I’ve had no reconstructions or anything in my whole career.

“I feel good. I’m not even thinking when the end is. I’m enjoying what I’m doing and want to continue to do it.’’