“I always thought I’d play into my 30s, that’s what a lot of players have done that I’ve played around,” he said.

“I think it’s (the decision to retire) a bit of everything, I maybe lost the love of the game and didn’t really enjoy it this year to be honest.”

It says a lot about the rugged back-rower’s ability that he can claim the Thunder’s top award, as well as be named in the Group 9 Team of the Year, without ‘loving’ the sport.

“I guess it was something I was thinking about halfway through the year,” he said.

“I guess if I’m thinking about it that early, it might be time.”

Freeman arrived at the Thunder just after the club’s golden run of three successive premierships.

The loss of former NRL lower graders Lou Goodwin, Mitch Davis, Jake Grace and Willie Heta robbed the Border outfit of its powerhouse status.

The retirement of ex-Roosters and Canterbury prop and coach Josh Cale, along with the departure of the group’s single-season record points-scorer Ben Jeffery further eroded the club’s depth.

Freeman battled hard in his two years, but the Thunder lacked the firepower to seriously challenge for another title.

He was a member of the first under 20 premiership-winning team in 2008 with Canberra, which included Australian centre Josh Dugan.

“I’ll play a bit of golf, I’m going out at the moment (my handicap) and that’s another reason why I’m retiring,” he laughed.