Life-changing hip surgery for Burgess
GEORGE Burgess has left Wigan Warriors as he prepares for ‘lifechanging’ surgery.
The England international, part of the famous Burgess bros quartet, has been troubled by a chronic hip injury that has restricted him throughout his stay in Super League.
Burgess joined the Warriors ahead of the 2020 season as one of their marquee players but was restricted to just eight appearances due to the injury.
Despite extensive efforts to fix the problem, the 28-year-old will require a major operation that is set to keep him off the field for ‘many months’.
In a club statement, Burgess said: “I would firstly like to thank everyone involved with the Wigan Rugby League club including all the staff, players and fans for welcoming me so warmly to the club when I arrived with my young family, and for the continued support and patience in a season which was the most challenging of my career - physically and mentally - and saw me slip into some dark places throughout.
“After lots of thought, myself and the club have come to the mutual agreement that it is of the most importance that I get this life-changing hip resurfacing surgery, not only for the chance for me to play at my best again one day in the future but to have a better quality of life - mentally and physically - for my family also.
“In addition to this we have also come to the mutual agreement that it is best for all parties involved that we part ways now, giving Wigan the best possible chance to plan better for the future and myself the best possible chance of giving the hip the correct amount of time to fully recover. Although my time at Wigan did not pan out the way anyone would have wanted it to, I am grateful for the friendships I have made in my time here and I know this club will have many successful years in the future.”
Burgess, capped 15 times by England, made 150 appearances in the NRL for South Sydney and won the Premiership before his move to Super League.