Origin forward Ethan Lowe retires from NRL at just 19 due to chronic neck injuries

South Sydney and Queensland State of Origin forward Ethan Lowe has retired at just 29 due to chronic neck injuries.

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett confirmed that Lowe would not play next season, after his team bowed out of the finals on Saturday night.

The former Cowboys back-rower re-injured his neck in round 10 against Newcastle and hasn't played since. He had neck surgery after the incident, having already had an operation in 2016.

Lowe was a 2015 premiership player with North Queensland and made his Origin debut for the Maroons last year.

He joined South Sydney at the start of last season and finishes his NRL career on 143 games.