Hancock not tiring of retiring then returning

Veteran Broncos prop Steph Hancock has announced her "retirement" at the end of the last three seasons but still can’t bring herself to give up the game she loves so dearly.

Chances are the 37-year-old legend of the game will do so again in the weeks ahead but you’d back her to change her mind once again.

Hancock will play off the bench against the Warriors at the SCG on Saturday. The Broncos would need to get beaten by 24 points to miss out on a place in the grand final, and for the Dragons to beat the Roosters.

While the latter result is possible the former is unlikely considering the Broncos are yet to be beaten since the start of the Holden Women’s Premiership in 2018.

Hancock, who won World Cups in 2013 and 2017 with the Jillaroos, said the NRLW had recharged her batteries and she was enjoying playing with the Broncos so much that "retirement" had lost its appeal.

"I think I have announced my retirement for the last three years and I will probably do it Mad Monday, have a few Bundies and then tell all the girls that I don’t remember saying it," Hancock grinned.

"I am having so much fun and I will keep going until my old body says not to. This year has been so much fun so I just think 'why give something away when you are still enjoying it?'

"The Brisbane Broncos women’s team has been playing as a team. I don’t think we have been playing as individuals. On the field you can see that we all get along. We are a close group of girls who all look up to each other and look after each other."

Hancock has received a huge boost from the young generation of props coming through at the club. Millie Boyle, just 21, and 24-year-old Amber Hall have been giving Brisbane real clout as the starting front-rowers which allows Hancock to come on and feed off the momentum.

"Being around for a little bit it is a beautiful thing to watch. It is a breath of fresh to see the younger generation coming through," Hancock said.

"Hally [Amber Hall] and Millie Boyle have definitely got some mongrel and good engines. I just love their passion. When they are run out they are ready to go and put 100% into it."

Her former Jillaroos teammate Ruan Sims  has announced her retirement and Hancock said the veteran Rooster had been a wonderful player throughout her decorated career.

"Ruan is a bit more sensible than me. She came on the scene at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup when we first won that with the Jillaroos and has had an outstanding career," Hancock said.

"On behalf of myself and the Brisbane Broncos we do wish her all the best for the future. She has been a great player for the game."