Two of the most underrated players in the NRL have been forced to retire in the matter of 24 hours with Gold Coast’s Ben Ridge and Parramatta’s Beau Champion calling it quits.

Champion, 28, had been plagued throughout his career which saw him spend time at the Eels, South Sydney, Melbourne and the Titans.

“As a kid, my goal was to play just one NRL game, and to play for the past ten years is something that I’ll treasure and look back on, especially the great memories I’ve made over the years,” Champion said.

“It’s unfortunate it had to end through injury, but it’s something I’ll look back on as a positive and something great that I achieved in my life.”

25-year-old Ridge suffered a season-ending medial ligament injury and decided not to chase a new contract with the Titans.

“Since I started here I have had a bad run with injury and eventually it takes a toll on you,” Ridge said.

“I probably couldn’t have had a worst year coming off contract and the pressure of that, and in the end I decided it was time to do something else.”