Sam Burgess Signs for 2010-13
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced the signing of Great Britain international Sam Burgess for the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons today. The Rabbitohs signed Burgess ahead of numerous NRL Clubs who had expressed interest in securing the services of the powerhouse forward from the Bradford Bulls, rated as one of the best young front-rowers in the world today. Burgess, 20, stands 195cm tall and weighs in at 112kg and is equally adept at playing in the front or back rows. Burgess was named the ‘Young Player of the Year’ in the UK Super League in 2007, the same year he made his debut for Great Britain against New Zealand in October, going on to play four Tests for Great Britain and England as well as 79 appearances for the Bradford Bulls since making his debut in 2006 against the Leeds Rhinos. Burgess was named man of the match for the Northern Union side that took on the New Zealand All Golds in 2007 in the lead up to Rugby League’s Centenary Season, and is a member of the England Squad for this year’s Four Nations Tournament. “Sam Burgess is one of the rising superstars of the game and we’re delighted that he will be joining us in 2010,” Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said. “There was a lot of interest in Sam despite still being under contract to Bradford for next season, but ours was the Club he wanted to play for and we’re pleased that we could come to an arrangement with Bradford that allowed him to come to Australia to test himself in the NRL. “He has been a standout player in the Super League in England and has equipped himself well in his appearances for England and Great Britain, and he’s only 20 years of age. “Sam will add aggression, power and skill to our forward pack and I’m sure all of our Members will be looking forward to seeing him battle for a position in our pack next year with the likes of Roy Asotasi, Issac Luke, David Taylor, Michael Crocker, Luke Stuart, Ben Ross, Eddy Pettybourne, Scott Geddes, Ben Lowe and Shannan McPherson.” Burgess is excited about coming to Australia and joining South Sydney. “I’m really looking forward to the move to Australia and South Sydney is a Club that excites me as it is a Club that is moving forward,” Burgess said. “I’ve played against guys like Roy Asotasi before and players such as Issac Luke, Dave Taylor and Chris Sandow have had good seasons so it will good to be in the same team as these guys. “I’ll be proud to wear the South Sydney jersey and I look forward to testing myself in the NRL next season.”
