Former North Queensland Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has announced his retirement from rugby league through a heartfelt social media post.
Feldt was the hero of the 2015 Grand Final victory for the Cowboys, crossing in the dying moments after some magic from teammate Michael Morgan to set up an equalising try.
It is highly regarded as one of the most iconic moments in NRL history, accompanied by Johnathan Thurston's field goal in extra time to secure the Cowboys' first premiership.
Kyle Feldt scores a miraculous try for the Cowboys in the 2015 #NRLGF! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/1WBikOtJyu
— NRL (@NRL) September 25, 2023
In 2024, Feldt surpassed club legend Matt Bowen to become the top try scorer of all time in Cowboys history with 151 tries in 217 matches.
He departed the NRL at the end of that season to link up with St Helens in the Super League, scoring 33 tries in 29 appearances in the red and white before a mutual release in the middle of 2026.
Feldt returned to Townsville to play local Australian rules football before calling it quits on professional sport.
The 34-year-old thanked all those who contributed to his rugby league journey over the past 13 years.
"I've spent a lot of time thinking about what to say, but I'll keep it pretty simple. Rugby league has given me more than I could ever have dreamed of," Feldt said via his Instagram.
"As a kid from Townsville North Queensland, I grew up dreaming of playing NRL. I then got to live out that dream as well as become a premiership winner in 2015 and represent my state and country.. those are moments I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.
"To become the Cowboys' all-time leading try scorer and then a life member of the club is something I'm incredibly proud of. But honestly, the records and achievements aren't what I'll remember most.
"I'll remember the boys I played alongside, the battles we went through, the wins, the losses, the laughs, the beers in the sheds after games and the friendships that will last well beyond rugby league.
"And to the fans - thank you. You've supported me through every high and low, and it's been an absolute privilege to represent you.
"But most importantly, to my family - thank you. You've made sacrifices that people will never see, and you've been there through every injury, disappointment, success and everything in between. I wouldn't have had the career I've had without you.
"I'm proud of what I've achieved, but I'm even prouder of the people I've shared it with.
I've given rugby league everything I had. Now it's time for the next chapter, and most importantly, more time with my family. It's been one hell of a ride."
Feldt made his NRL debut in 2013 following progression through the club's NYC pathways and remained a mainstay on the wing for the Cowboys until his departure.
He received the call-up for the QLD Maroons in State of Origin on two occasions during the 2021 season.
Feldt reached the Grand Final two years later after their maiden premiership victory in a fight for the 2017 title against Melbourne Storm, but came up short in the big dance.
Famously, Feldt headlined a list of injured Cowboys players who pushed through the pain to play in the Grand Final that year, tearing his groin in Week 3 of the finals but heroically pressed on.
