Burgess: Catalans have a strong culture

Catalans prop Luke Burgess said one of the best things about the Dragons is they demand players fit in with their ethos.

Burgess, 29, signed a two-year deal with the Super League side after spending the past few years in the NRL first with the South Sydney Rabbitohs before moving onto the Manly Sea Eagles.

“The important thing I like about this club is they still keep their own culture,” he told Love Rugby League.

“There’s a big responsibility on learning the French language and accepting how the French like to live their lives.”

Most foreign players who move to Catalan might struggle with the language barrier but Burgess’ integration has been made a bit easier thanks to his education and a certain family member.

“I suppose I am quite lucky in the fact that I learnt French at school to a pretty decent standard,” he said.

“Also my mum’s a French teacher so I have a bit of an advantage there.”

When asked about the prospect of a season without playing against his brothers, Burgess said it would be nice to not be on the opposing side for a change.

“I have never really enjoyed having to play against my brothers but it was something we got used to over the years,” he said.

“I much preferred it when we were all on the same team.

“It’s going to be nice now just being able to watch those boys play and support them and they will be watching me.”

In terms of his aspirations for 2017, Burgess simply wants to be a regular fixture in the starting 13 and also help with youth development.

“I just want to be consistent every week, play good football and help with driving the team culture within this club,” he said.

“To bring some of the young guys through as well is always quite pleasing as older guys to mentor them along the way.”