Payne to retire from NRL

PAYNE TO RETIRE FROM THE NRL

One of the biggest contributors to the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys since their inception in 1995, hooker Aaron Payne, has decided to retire from the NRL at the end of this season.

The 29-year-old sits in second place on the list of most NRL games played for the Cowboys and will continue his close ties with the club in a junior development role next year.

A junior with the Centrals Tigers in Townsville, Payne made his debut for the Cowboys in round 12 of the 2002 season against St George Illawarra and has been part of each of the club