Hannant had signed a one-year extension with the Cowboys but will not see out the contract.

The prop advised Cowboys hierarchy on Tuesday night.

Hannant played 245 NRL games, 12 Origins for Qld and six Tests for Australia.

The 31-year-old was part of Brisbane’s 2006 premiership side and North Queensland’s 2015 title-winning team.

Hannant debuted for the Roosters in 2005 and went on to represent the Broncos, Bulldogs and North Queensland.

The Cowboys have also lost James Tamou to Penrith and are believed to be on the hunt for a blue chip forward.