Veteran Brisbane centre Michael De Vere has retired one game into his NRL comeback.

De Vere, who had not played in the NRL since 2004, was attempting a comeback to the Broncos after coming out of retirement this year.

But the prolific points-scoring utility informed Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak on Tuesday that he was hanging up the boots for good.

After battling a string of niggling injuries, De Vere finally made his first appearance against St George Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium last Friday night, coming on in the second half.

Henjak said De Vere had been struggling with his motivation for a few weeks.

"He came in and saw me today, and said that he had lost the edge," Henjak said.

"That's really important with players who have got really high standards like Mike who always wants to be playing at their best."

De Vere held the point-scoring record at the Broncos at one time before heading overseas to play for Huddersfield in the English Super League.

He is employed as a rugby league scout for East Carina Club and had been combining his job with his football career.

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