Burnett forced to retire through injury

James Gordon

Hull forward Mike Burnett has been forced to hang up his boots at the age of 24 due to injury.

A product of the club’s academy system, Burnett spent a season on loan at Harlequins in 2011, and earned a deal for the 2012 season despite initially having been released by the club.

However, injury meant that he failed to make an appearance under Peter Gentle, and he has now been forced to make the difficult decision to retire on medical grounds.

He told the club’s official website: “I spoke to the specialist last week and he told me that’s it. It’s not nice to hear that sort of news its gutting but it’s part of the game we play, it could happen to anyone. 

“It’s been a really tough year for me and I’ve had three operations in nine months. It’s a slow process with having to speak to so many specialists. The injury’s really interfering with my everyday life and I’m struggling to do normal things let alone start any rehab. 

“It’s pretty bad at the moment, but I’m staying in close contact with the medical staff at Hull FC and hopefully over the next year or so I’ll start to see some signs of improvement. 

“I’m not sure whether I’ll stay involved in the sport or look for something outside of rugby league yet but I’m a big believer in that as one door closes, another one opens.” 

Burnett, who played for amateur club East Hull as a junior, scored four tries in 37 appearances for the Airlie Birds, as well as making 21 appearances during his loan spell in the capital.