Bartolo, who was ambulanced to the Mount Isa Hospital on Sunday after being tackled in the A-grade game against Wanderers, has been told by doctors to quit the game he has played for 13 years.

It is believed the tackle on Sunday aggravated a previous neck/spinal injury and doctors told Bartolo he was very lucky not to have been more seriously hurt.

Yesterday he was out of hospital and recovering at home.

Bartolo first played rugby league for Town in 1996 when Paul Harkin was coach. He quickly became one of the Mount Isa competition’s leading players and has played for the Miners on a number of occasions.

Earlier this year he played for Mount Isa/Mid West in the Foley Shield and was going to be a definite selection for the Mount Isa team at the upcoming Outback Carnival.

Bartolo, who will turn 31 in September, has already told Town president and team manager Steve Bax he is willing to stand on the sidelines for the remainder of the season and provide assistance to the club.