NRL star breaks down as he announces early retirement – in stark contrast to Burgess announcement

Showing Slammin’ Sam how it’s done: NRL star breaks down as he announces early retirement – instead of just writing a letter while gallivanting on a beach like Burgess

  • Sam Burgess retired from rugby league on Wednesday on medical grounds
  • He has been grappling with a serious shoulder injury since a game in April
  • But he didn’t front the cameras as he is on a beach in Mexico with his brother
  • Only weeks ago Burgess split from his wife Phoebe for the second time 
  • Matt Gillett announced his retirement during an emotional press concert  

An NRL star broke down as he announced his retirement during an emotional press conference – unlike Sam Burgess who wrote a letter while enjoying the sun in Mexico.

After a serious shoulder injury near the end of the 2019 season Broncos second-rower Matt Gillett was forced into retirement. 

Doctors informed the 31-year-old surgery on the shoulder was not an option and he risked serious and long term damage if he continued to play. 

Shattered Broncos player Matt Gillett (pictured) has announced his retirement from rugby league, effective immediately, in an emotional press conference on Thursday afternoon

A serious shoulder injury put Gillett on the shelf before doctors told him he risks life long issues if he continued to play prompting the second-rower to put his family (pictured) first

A serious shoulder injury put Gillett on the shelf before doctors told him he risks life long issues if he continued to play prompting the second-rower to put his family (pictured) first

The gutted Maroons and Kangaroos player accepted the medical advice and announced his retirement on Thursday, effective immediately.   

‘It is a really hard decision but at the end of the day my family are what’s most important,’ an emotional Gillett said.

‘While today is really hard, I know that I can look back over my career and be thankful for what I’ve been able to achieve and the friends I have made over the journey.

‘I have plenty to be thankful for – I have been part of a great club here at the Broncos for my whole career. I’ve played for my state and for my country with some legends of the game.’ 

Broncos coach Anthony Seibold also paid tribute to the career of Gillett saying he proved himself as a hard-working and humble man. 

In emotional scenes on Thursday the 31-year-old former Maroons and Kangaroos player thanked the Broncos, his fans and teammates for a career he said he felt lucky to have had

In emotional scenes on Thursday the 31-year-old former Maroons and Kangaroos player thanked the Broncos, his fans and teammates for a career he said he felt lucky to have had 

Despite finishing up his time on the playing field the Broncos said they will keep Gillett at the club in an off-field capacity. 

Gillett’s emotional announcement in front of cameras came just days after South Sydney Rabbitohs star Burgess announced his retirement. 

South Sydney announced the forward’s retirement from rugby league on medical grounds at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

But instead of fronting the cameras, Burgess was 12,000km away in Cabo, Mexico, where he was hours earlier spotted sunning himself at the beach.

In stark contract to Gillett former South Sydney player Sam Burgess ditched his own retirement announcement to party on a beach while his devastated fans heard the news

In stark contract to Gillett former South Sydney player Sam Burgess ditched his own retirement announcement to party on a beach while his devastated fans heard the news

Burgess’ retirement capped off a tumultuous fortnight beginning with his second split with his wife Phoebe and her father taking out an AVO against him. 

He suffered what turned out to be a career-ending shoulder injury in April that festered throughout the season into a ‘chronic condition’.

Instead of having him showing up in person, the club released a lengthy statement attributed to Burgess where he thanks fans for their support over the years. 

‘I have loved absolutely every minute; the highs, the lows; the Grand Final; coming home; my injuries; my dates with the judiciary. It really has been a fantastic ride,’ it read.

‘This decision was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my life, however the decision was out of my hands essentially. I am no longer able to be myself day in, day out on the training field and consequently the playing field.

‘I will not be playing in the NRL next season. My time has come to an end. I’m excited for my next chapter in life whatever that may be.’

Burgess played 182 games for Souths and was Clive Churchill Medallist in their drought-breaking 2014 grand final win. 

Instead of fronting the cameras, Burgess will be 12,000km away in Cabo, Mexico, where he was hours earlier spotted sunning himself at the beach

Instead of fronting the cameras, Burgess will be 12,000km away in Cabo, Mexico, where he was hours earlier spotted sunning himself at the beach

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