Sam Burgess has responded to critics claiming that Sam Burgess’ shoulder injury which forced his retirement was part of a larger ploy by South Sydney Rabbitohs to get his $1 million-a-week wage off the salary cap.
The Englishman has been impressing in SAS Australia’s recent series, which has caused some to question whether or not Burgess was indeed forced to medically retire from rugby league just one season into a four-year deal.
Burgess, however, has vociferously denied such claims, outlining just how painful the injury had been for him not to continue playing.
“I was laying with my daughter in bed putting her to sleep and my entire arm went numb,” Burgess said.
“I couldn’t feel it. I knew it was not normal but I am thinking nerve pain, whatever.
“I told my doctor and we tried to figure out a way to get me through.”
Burgess was in serious pain, but he was expected to wait until after round 12 to have a shoulder clean-out.
“I was frustrated,” he said. “I was getting angry … because I couldn’t be who I normally was. My whole left arm had no power in it.
“On that show, if my shoulder fails me, I only fail myself.
“Pain is one thing I have learned to manage in my life. But I have learned to manage it a lot more in the last two years than ever before.
“But in terms of carrying a shoulder injury for 14 days on a course when I am not making 40 tackles a game it is a different thing.
“There is just no comparison.”
Warrington Wolves
Exiled Super League star makes rugby league return
Warrington Wolves
Sam Burgess makes decision on future following South Sydney links
