George Burgess’ NRL career is over after the English prop announced his retirement from rugby league.
Released by St George Illawarra last month after a drama-filled first year back in the NRL, Burgess confirmed on Sunday he would not return to the game.
A premiership-winner at South Sydney, the 30-year-old prop’s career will end with 153 NRL games to his name as well as 15 Tests for England.
“It is with a heavy heart that I officially announce my retirement from rugby league,” Burgess posted on Instagram.
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“It has been a dream come true to live out my boyhood dream and represent my family and country through my time especially at South Sydney and England .
“Unfortunately injuries ended my career before I would’ve liked but I am a happy man walking away from this beautiful game with my achievements.”
A star forward at South Sydney, Burgess was unlucky not to be named Clive Churchill Medallist in the club’s drought-breaking grand-final win over Canterbury in 2014.
(Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
The middle forward ran 200 metres in the Rabbitohs’ 30-6 grand-final win over Canterbury, while also scoring the go-ahead try in the second half.
He has since developed into one of the game’s best front-rowers at the Rabbitohs, before exiting the club for Wigan in 2020.
He suffered a career-threatening hip injury that restricted him to just eight games with the Wigan Warriors.
However, earlier this year he became the first professional rugby league player to return from hip resurfacing surgery when he signed a two-year deal with the Dragons.
But it was to be short-lived, however: the prop was charged with sexual touching without consent before later checking into a rehabilitation facility.
Burgess is set to fight the charge, and ended the year by playing 11 games in reserve grade.
But his hope of a first-grade return is now likely extinguished, with his run of injuries potentially proving too much.
Burgess’ retirement leaves brother Tom as the last remaining playing member of the Burgess clan, with one year still to run on the 30-year-old’s contract.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
“Checking into a rehab facility” is sometimes done to achieve a softer sentence. An unnamed former games show host has apparently tried that option 10 times according to a newspaper report.
Phil
Roar Rookie
George was a good player, one that Souths were lucky enough to get his best years. Wise man not trying to push for another year knowing his body says no. Hope he goes well in his acting career. Well done Big fella.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Wish George and his family all the best for the future, good on you George for all that you have achieved and especially done at Souths over the years :thumbup:
andrew
Roar Rookie
All the best in retirement George. Being part of a Rabbitohs premiership winning team would be up there with the highlights of your career, if not the highlight.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the memories and your service to the Rabbitohs Big George. You are part of the South Sydney family for life... and you still bring a tear to Robbie Farah's eye. :silly: