NRL world left saddened after South Sydney player forced into immediate retirement at 23

NRL fans are expressing their sadness for Ben Lovett after South Sydney announced the 23-year-old has been forced to retire with immediate affect due to medical reasons. A hard-working back-rower, Lovett made his debut for the Rabbitohs in 2023, helping Souths beat Manly in a thriller.

He played three games at NRL level that year and looked to have a decent career ahead of him. However he ruptured the patella tendon in his knee while playing in the NSW Cup grand final in 2023, and hasn't been able to return over 18 months later despite multiple surgeries.

The 23-year-old has made the difficult decision to retire after receiving medical advice that he'll never be able to play at the elite level again. Lovett won the Souths Cares award in 2024 for community work, as well as the Bob McCarthy club-person of the year award. He was the Rabbitohs’ nominee for the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal that year, and was also named South Sydney's Jersey Flegg player of the year in 2021.

“This decision has not been made lightly," he said on Wednesday. "Following medical guidance and my rehabilitation journey, retiring on medical grounds is what is best for my long-term health and quality of life.

“I love the game of rugby league and this club, and it has been an incredible honour to pull on the Rabbitohs jersey in the NRL. A real highlight being 2023, living out my dream by making my NRL debut and winning a competition with NSW Cup.

“I want to thank everyone who has contributed and played a part in my journey so far, in particular my family, coaching staff, teammates, members and fans. I also want to give a special mention to the Parkes community (his hometown), whose support from day one has meant so much to me."

Ben Lovett staying at Souths in development role

Lovett said he'll look to transition into coaching after helping the Rabbitohs' Jersey Flegg team at Under-21 level this year. “Unfortunately, my time as a professional footballer has come to an end. I would have loved a longer career, but one door closes and another opens," he said.

"I had a taste of coaching with the Jersey Flegg Cup team this year and I’m keen to pursue coaching and other opportunities here at Souths. I’m looking forward to giving back to the club by helping develop future Rabbitohs. The Rabbitohs have helped me a lot in making this transition and I could not ask for a better club to be with as I start the next chapter in my career."

NRL world saddened for Ben Lovett after retirement news

Souths CEO Blake Solly paid tribute to Lovett, saying: “This has been a very difficult decision for Ben to make but he has made a mature decision following medical advice that will help him live a better life from this point forward. Ben’s dedication to the club since joining us in 2019 has been unrivalled.

"His commitment to his injury rehabilitation has been a model of persistence for his teammates and young sportsmen or sportswomen coming through who face difficult injuries. His resilience and tenacity have been a lesson to us all.

“He has maintained a positive outlook throughout the entire process, he fulfilled a childhood dream in playing rugby league at the NRL level, and he helped deliver silverware to the most successful club in the game’s history in Australia. Ben will remain connected to the club and its football program and we’re delighted to be keeping Ben on board to help the next generation of players come through to serve the club, its members and its community in the same way Ben has done and will continue to do.”

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Fans sent their well-wishes to Lovett on social media after hearing the news. 'NRL Physio' Brien Seeney wrote: "Thoughts go out to Ben Lovett. Never like seeing a player forced into retirement due to injury - wish Lovett the best with what’s next."

Another fan wrote: "Really sad news. 23 is so young. Wishing him all the best for his future!" A third added: "Devastated for him. All the best mate always a Rabbitoh."

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