Peter Shiels, St Helens' Australian second rower, has announced his retirement due to a shoulder injury.

The 29-year-old former Newcastle Knights forward played in the Saints' recent 19-18 Super League Grand Final win over the Bradford Bulls.

But he struggled with a shoulder injury in the latter part of the season and required surgery which would have kept him out for six to eight months.

Shiels, with 12 months left of his three-year contract, had been a popular figure during his two years with the Knowsley Road outfit, winning three trophies.

"To win a World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup and Super League Grand Final in Peter's time at the club is a tremendous achievement for him," said coach Ian Millward.

"The fact that he has done so with this shoulder injury speaks volumes for the character and bravery of the player."

He is the second overseas player to retire from St Helens this season, following Kiwi Sean Hoppe's decision to quit.