GLAMOUR winger Beau Ryan has announced his injury-enforced retirement from the Cronulla Sharks.

The former Wests Tigers star succumbed to the neck injury he suffered towards the end of last season, informing his Sharks team mates of the decision on Wednesday night.

An off-season shoulder operation failed to fix the problem.

“After speaking with my family and the club doctor I’ve made the decision to end my career, effective immediately,” he told Thursday night’s The Footy Show, confirming the story published in The Daily Telegraph three weeks ago that he wouldn’t play again.

“It’s a hard decision but I’m a guy who bases his game on hard work. I’m proud that a guy who has got through not on ability but dedication.

“To not be able to put my body on the line for the team, I’m not doing them justice.

“My wife and my daughter are my inspiration and If something had have happened to me I would never have forgiven myself.

“If would have preferred to have played on forever but this is a tough game and the guys get bigger and stronger.”

Ryan played 126 NRL games, 104 for the Wests Tigers and 22 for the Sharks, scoring 53 tries.

Sharks interim coach Peter Sharp said his winger would be sadly missed.

“Beau is a massive loss to the club and to rugby league,” Sharp said.

“He was a very talented and underrated as a player, knew about football, had a great football brain and could play multiple positions,” he said in a statement.

The Sharks will continue to employ Ryan in a marketing and sponsorship role.

“While his playing days at our club might be finished I’m sure he will remain a Shark and head us in many renditions of ‘Up, Up Cronulla for a long while to come,” said CEO Steve Noyce.