Ben Jacobs will sit out the remainder of the season, allowing him time to overcome ongoing health issues. 

The midfielder will be given the rest of the year to get his body right with the aim of being back for the start of the 2020 pre-season.

“It’s been a very frustrating time for Ben, and the club, and we sat down this week and decided the best way forward was to take the pressure off him for an imminent return, and allow him all the time he needs to prepare for the pre-season,” North GM football Cameron Joyce told North Media.

“Our sole focus has been Ben and his health for the short, medium and long-term. While we’ve seen some improvement, unfortunately it hasn’t been to the level where he’s been able to train consistently and ultimately get back to playing this season.”

Jacobs, who last played in Round 16 2018, remained confident of a return when he spoke to North Media earlier in the year.

“My body hasn’t been battered and bruised too much … I feel like I have plenty to give,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs explained his symptoms began as a result of a “whiplash” incident against Brisbane in Round 11 last season, and since then he has suffered from neck pain, headaches, blocked ears and pressure in his head.

“We treated it like a concussion for the first four or five weeks … [then] I had a sinus operation … and I burnt a nerve off in my neck," Jacobs said.

“It could be an accumulation of a lot of things."

Aged 27, Jacobs is contracted to North for another year.