FORMER Queensland centre Josh Hannay insists he will not be railroaded into retirement by the Sharks as he confronts the ignominy of being dumped to park football.
In a remarkable fall from grace, Hannay has been banished to the Gymea Gorillas in the Cronulla local league, 10 months after featuring in Queensland's stunning last-gasp defeat of NSW in the Origin decider in Melbourne. Hannay's career at the Sharks suffered a terminal blow on Tuesday when he, former Broncos playmaker Brett Seymour and back-rower Mick Greenfield were told by Cronulla boss Greg Pierce they were not in the club's long-term plans.
Unless Hannay can secure a new deal elsewhere, the 27-year-old risks spending the next year as the Gorillas' $150,000 recruit.
Seymour, meanwhile, has been despatched to the Engadine Dragons.
Incredibly, the pair will lock horns today when the Gorillas face the Dragons at Anzac Oval.
The demotion of the pair comes just six months after Hannay and Seymour signed deals with the Sharks under former coach Stuart Raper, who was subsequently sacked in favour of Kangaroos mentor Ricky Stuart.
"I don't know how long this will last but our next game is park footy. It's ridiculous," Hannay told The Sunday Mail.
"It's certainly not a form issue. I don't think I'm going that bad that I belong back in the park.
"The funny thing is we've been told we're not required in Premier League either.
"Last year I was playing Origin, now I'll be running around with Gymea Gorillas or Helensburgh Goannas or whoever they are.
"I haven't thought too much about the prospect of park footy. I haven't played park footy since I was 15, but I'll ride this out and do what's needed for me to make sure I see every cent of this contract I'm committed to."
Breaking his silence by speaking to The Sunday Mail, Seymour admitted he fears for his National Rugby League future after being given the cold shoulder by the Sharks.
"I'm a bit worried, I don't know what options I have but hopefully it doesn't end like this," Seymour, who played three NRL games this season, said.
"It's a bit of a kick in the guts but I'm not going to be bitter about it.
"I'll go back to park footy and make sure I earn the money I'm contracted for.
"I didn't see it coming but I guess I'm not too surprised. We signed before Ricky (Stuart) got here and obviously we don't fit into his plans."
Sharks coach Ricky Stuart defended the decision to release the pair.
"It's nothing personal," Stuart said. "I've had a chat with Brett and he understood the situation. At the end of the day, as new coach here I'm trying to build the best I team I can to get the results I'm after."
The writing on the wall for Hannay came last month when he was axed from the top grade after just three appearances.
"I probably have every right to feel as though I didn't get a fair shot. I wouldn't say three games into a season is a fair crack at showing my wares," Hannay said.
"I wouldn't say I'm filthy, I'm not the type of bloke to get too down on anything.
"I sort of just take what life throws at you. Sometimes it's rosy and sometimes you have your disappointments.
"But this is definitely disappointing. I never thought I'd be shown the door six months after signing with the club.
"Regardless of how I've been playing in Premier League, it seemed like I was banging my head against a brick wall a bit.
"Greg (Pierce) said we weren't seen as part of the future although they fully intended to honour our contracts. I haven't requested a release but they said they were going to try some new guys."
Despite being shunned by the Sharks, the Moranbah junior, who played two Origin matches in 2003 and '06, insists his career is not over.
"Retirement is not an option at this stage," the veteran of 153 NRL games said.
"I firmly believe I have some good footy in me. Whether I go here or overseas I'm unsure.
"Maybe a move to England a change of scenery and new challenges over there is the way I'm leaning. But I wouldn't shut the door on anything out here."
