Broncos great Matt Gillett has announced his retirement effective immediately.
The veteran suffered a shoulder injury late in the 2019 and had to walk away from the game on medical grounds.
Over his stellar 200-game career Gillett was named Dally M Second Rower Of The Year in 2016 and 2017, and Dally M Rookie Of The Year in 2010.
The 31-year old told broncos.com.au: “This has been a huge shock to me and my family, and we have taken time over recent weeks to consider what we should do. I have decided to take the medical advice from the experts and call time on my career.
“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 teammates, coaches, family and friends for all their help and support over the years.”
Broncos coach Anthony Seibold applauded Gillett for all he has given to the game.
“He is humble and hard-working and has reached the top of the game for Australia all the way from his beginnings at Bribie island.
“His achievements on the field are well known but we are most proud of him for how he conducts himself off the field, and how highly he values his family and friends.”
Gillett will remain at the Broncos in an off-field role.
Tough break, always sad to see players forced out due to injury. Big blow for Broncos.
Not necessarily, daffy, the broncos could use that money to upgrade David Fifita.
His state? Gillet must be confused as Macksville is in NSW, not QLD.
Couldn’t force Dawius out so they payed Gillet to fall on his sword.
Reeks of back door dealings.
Watch them announce the re-signing of Fafita tomorrow.
There’s always one (Panthers 18) He’s a Qlder! Awesome player and a great guy. I spoke to him before one of the origin games this year and he’s a really humble down to earth bloke. The opposite of a dirty player.
He has been a great player over the years but last season was not good. I’m glad he is retiring as he was not performing anything close to what he was capable of, years earlier.
Kev – So they should be able to resign Fifita. The Bronco’s found him, developed him and gave him his chance.
Panthers18. He moved to Queensland as a toddler. I think it is perfectly reasonable for him to consider himself a Queenslander.
I actually agree with you there greggo .
It’s good to see players brought through a club, actually being able to stay at that club!
It also really annoys the perennial buyers of the competition
greggo and eels47, yeah I know. Still wrong though.
Wrong why Panthers18. What makes it wrong?
To me, greggo, is your are born in NSW, you play for NSW. Likewise, if you were born in QLD, you play for QLD. If you are born in another state then you play for the state that developed you as a youngster.
I agree Eastsofdivide, it is great to see in this day and age z one club player. Well done Matt Gillett.
So far at this point in time the Sydney Roosters have currently at least 20 players in the NRL squad who are one club players, we would have had 22 but Napa and Matterson got poached away.