Marsh forced to call it a day

PJ Marsh forced to call it a day.

ONE of the favourite sons of Central Queensland sport, PJ Marsh, has been forced to call it a day.

The season looked to have started brightly for Marsh when he was named in the line-up for the glamour opener when the NRL played the Indigenous All Stars.

Unfortunately he never made it on to the pitch as he was suffering a long-term back injury, the same injury that has now ended his football career.

It is believed that Marsh, who was expected to line up with the Comets this season, will require an operation to replace a disc in his lower back.

Central Queensland Comets chief executive officer Scott Minto said he had every sympathy for the Blackwater product.

“Obviously it is unfortunate; I had a similar end to my career,” Minto recalled.

“It will take him a while to get into the swing of this (retirement).

“We had known for a little while as we found out through the Broncos.”

Minto said he had sent Marsh a text message of support.

While it is too early to make predictions what Marsh will do now he is unable to play, Minto said he hoped he might have a career within the game.

“Definitely, he could get into coaching. The big fella doesn’t mind talking,” he joked.

However, the first move for Marsh will be to recuperate from the operation and get over the shock news his playing career has ended.

“First PJ has to get his head around the fact he can’t play again,” Minto said.

Marsh, 30, played 157 NRL matches with the Eels, Warriors and the Broncos while a highlight was four State of Origin appearances.