NRL fans and fellow players are congratulating Corey Allan after the former Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Roosters and Dragons player announced his retirement on Wednesday. The 27-year-old made his NRL debut in 2019, playing 29 games for Souths.
He played 21 games for the Bulldogs in 2021 and 2022, before 12 for the Roosters in 2023 and another 12 for St George Illawarra in 2025. The outside back was released by the Dragons at the end of the 2025 season, and has now decided to hang up the boots.
Corey Allan helped Queensland win the State of Origin series in 2020. (AAP Image/Darren England)
Allan’s career highlight was undoubtedly playing State of Origin for Queensland in 2020. He was picked by Wayne Bennett to play fullback in the series decider that year in a series that was decimated by player withdrawals and injuries due to it taking place after the NRL season rather than in the middle.
Allan was actually sin-binned in his one and only Origin game, but helped Queensland win the decider to lift the shield. A team that featured the likes of Allan, Edrick Lee and Brenko Lee had been labelled the worst ever to play Origin, but they stunned a NSW team that had stars like James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary and Payne Haas.
Corey Allan played one State of Origin game (R) and last played for the Dragons in 2025 (L). Image: Getty
Allan announced on social media on Wednesday that he’s walking away from professional rugby league despite having offers from overseas clubs. “As the year is about to end, what better time to announce that I’ve decided to finish playing professionally,” he 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.”
NRL world pays tribute to Corey Allan
Allan was born in Brisbane and was actually a Broncos junior, but never played for his hometown club. He thanked the Broncos, Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Roosters and Dragons, saying: “I can’t thank you enough 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. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for me.”
Allan’s career was hampered by injuries. He missed the entire 2024 season after suffering an ACL injury in the pre-season right after he’d signed with the Dragons.
Former teammates Cody Walker, Valentine Holmes, Tyrell Sloan, Mark Nicholls, Christian Tuipulotu, Cody Ramsey, Connor Tracey and Damien Cook were among the many to pay tribute to Allan. South Sydney star Walker wrote: “Congrats on a great career brother, was a pleasure playing alongside you. Wish you and Teigan all the best in the future.”