Corey Allan has announced his retirement from professional rugby league at just 27, bringing an end to a career that spanned five NRL clubs and nearly a decade in elite pathways and first grade.
Allan confirmed his decision via Instagram as the year draws to a close, revealing he had considered continuing his career overseas before deciding the timing was right to step away.
“As the year is about to end, what better time to announce that I’ve decided to finish playing professionally,” Allan wrote.
“The opportunity to head overseas was alluring but I didn’t want to do anything I wasn’t 100% in for, so I’m content with my decision.
I’m so grateful to have been able to live out my dream and till this day I have nothing but gratitude and happiness when I look back at what was.”
Born in Brisbane, Allan’s rugby league journey began in the Brisbane Broncos system, coming through their pathways in 2017 before making the move to South Sydney Rabbitohs ahead of the 2019 season.
It was with the Rabbitohs that Allan made his NRL debut, quickly establishing himself as a versatile outside back, capable of playing centre, wing and fullback.
Allan went on to make 29 NRL appearances for South Sydney between 2019 and 2020.
In 2021, he joined the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, adding further experience across two seasons. Allan ran out 21 times in Bulldogs colours, scoring three tries during a difficult rebuilding period for the club.
His next stop was the Sydney Roosters, where he featured in 13 NRL matches and scored two tries. Despite his utility value and defensive reliability, Allan was released at the end of the 2023 season.
Allan signed with the St George Illawarra Dragons ahead of 2024, but his first year at the club was cut short by an ACL injury early in the season. He returned in 2025 to enjoy a strong final campaign, playing 12 games for the Red V and scoring five tries — his most productive try-scoring season at NRL level.
Across his career, Allan finished with 74 NRL appearances, representing the Broncos (pathways), Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Roosters and Dragons — a journey he acknowledged in his farewell message.
“To these teams — Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons — I can’t thank you enough,” Allan said.
“Whether I came through your system or played for your club, the values and lessons I’ve received from all of you has shaped me into who I am today.”
While his playing career has ended earlier than many expected, Allan departs the game with respect across the league, remembered as a selfless professional who consistently put team first. Whatever comes next, his resilience, adaptability and contribution across multiple clubs ensure his NRL journey will be fondly remembered.