Brisbane Broncos star Matt Gillett has confirmed he will retire from rugby league with immediate effect after failing to recover from a shoulder injury.

Australia international Gillett suffered a severe injury late in the 2019 campaign, with medical experts informing the second-rower that surgery is not yet an option.

Gillett has accepted the advice and announced his retirement on Thursday - a decision which comes the day after South Sydney Rabbitohs' Sam Burgess was similarly forced to quit due to a shoulder problem.

The 31-year-old's retirement brings to an end a career that included 200 NRL matches for the Broncos.

Gillett also made 20 State of Origin appearances for Queensland Maroons, as well as earning 12 Kangaroos Test caps.

"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," Gillett said. "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."

The Broncos announced Gillett would be staying with the club "in an off-field capacity".