Australia star Matt Gillett forced to retire due to shoulder injury

Drew Darbyshire

Brisbane Broncos back-rower Matt Gillett has been forced to retire because of a severe shoulder injury.

The 31-year-old has been advised by medical experts to retire from contact sport. Surgery is not an option for him at this time because it would be at significant risk of a further disabling injury.

Gillett played 200 NRL games for the Broncos, 20 times for Queensland at Origin level and 12 caps for Australia on the international stage.

He said: “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.

“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’d like to thank my team-mates, coaches, family and friends for all their help and support over the years.”

Gillett will remain with the Broncos in an off-field role.

Watch NRL and live stream every NRL game to keep up with how the Burgess boys, John Bateman, Ryan Sutton, Elliott Whitehead, James Graham and all the others are getting on Down Under.


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