Sam Burgess says he had no choice but to retire from the NRL after a chronic shoulder injury.

Burgess confirmed on Wednesday he had played his 182nd and final game for South Sydney after a chronic left shoulder injury became apparent following a routine surgery this year.

“This decision was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my life, however the decision was out of my hands essentially. I am no longer able to be myself day-in, day-out on the training field and consequently the playing field,” Burgess said.