The South Sydney Rabbitohs have extended the contract of international forward Sam Burgess for three more seasons today, keeping him at the Club at least until the end of the 2016 season. Burgess, one of the Club’s co-captains at the age of 23, has played 121 first grade games in his career including 42 NRL games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Burgess has represented England and Great Britain in 13 Test matches, played one game for the NRL All Stars and one game for the Northern Union. Burgess has proven himself to be one of the leading forwards in the NRL competition over the past three seasons and a key member of the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ forward pack. Burgess will be joined by his three brothers; Luke, George and Thomas; at the Rabbitohs in season 2013. Burgess is delighted to have signed an extended contract with South Sydney. “I absolutely love playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and embrace everything the Club stands for,” Burgess said. “I’m loving the lifestyle here in Sydney and there is no other Club that I would want to play for in the NRL. “My team mates, the coaching staff, the Board, the office staff and in particular, the Members, have all made this Club my home over the past three years, and to have my brothers and Mum here with me next year makes it even more special. “I’m very happy to have my future secured and I’m looking forward to the rest of the 2012 season.” Rabbitohs Head Coach Michael Maguire says that Burgess’ signing is a real boost for the team as they move forward. “It’s a great thing for the Club and the team that Sam has agreed to sign long term with us,” Coach Maguire said. “He’s a world class player and displays strong leadership qualities every day which is important to us as a team. “He’s a big part of what we’re building here at Souths and as we look to the future, he’s the type of player you can build your team and Club around. “He’s all about the Club, all about the team, and he’s a real strength for us. “It’s great to have all four Burgess brothers with us next season as well, as we are a family-oriented Club and we want to keep building that family culture here at South Sydney.”