Tributes Pour In as State of Origin Winner Corey Allan Retires Aged 27
Tributes have flooded the NRL world after former Queensland State of Origin winner Corey Allan announced his retirement from professional rugby league at just 27, bringing the curtain down on a career marked by resilience and memorable highs. The outside back made the announcement via social media on Wednesday, opting to walk away despite lucrative overseas offers, citing a desire to pursue opportunities with full conviction.
Allan’s journey began with his NRL debut for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2019, where he played 29 games, showcasing his pace and defensive nous. He went on to represent four clubs: 21 games for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2021–2022, 12 for the Sydney Roosters in 2023, and a final 12 for St George Illawarra Dragons in 2025, before being released at the end of the season. Plagued by injuries at various stages, he nonetheless delivered standout moments, including a crucial try-saver named Tackle of the Week in 2025.
His career highlight arrived in 2020, when Wayne Bennett selected him at fullback for Queensland’s State of Origin series decider. The series, delayed until after the NRL season due to the pandemic, was marred by withdrawals and injuries, with Allan’s team labelled the “worst ever” Origin side. Despite being sin-binned in his only representative appearance, he played a vital role in upsetting a star-studded New South Wales team led by James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary, and Payne Haas, helping Queensland lift the shield. Prior to his NRL debut, he had also represented the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII in 2018.
In his retirement post, Allan reflected on his journey with gratitude: “I’ve been able to live out my dream, and I have nothing but happiness looking back. Overseas offers were alluring, but I didn’t want to do anything I wasn’t 100% in for.” Fellow players, coaches, and fans took to social media to praise his courage and professionalism. Bennett described him as “a fierce competitor who never shied away from a challenge,” while Rabbitohs teammate Cody Walker tweeted: “A true warrior on and off the field – congratulations on a great career.”
Allan’s decision to retire at a young age underscores his commitment to personal fulfillment over continued professional opportunity. As the NRL community celebrates his achievements, many look forward to seeing his next chapter unfold beyond the field.
