Burgess deal registered by NRL

The new contract of Sam Burgess with South Sydney has finally been officially registered by the NRL.

Burgess decided to return to rugby league and the Rabbitohs after a controversial one-year stint in rugby union.

But Souths have been forced to make space and release a number of players, including rep players Dylan Walker and Chris McQueen, to fit the England international under its salary cap.

South Sydney has announced today that Burgess’ deal, reported to be worth $1.5 million a season, has now been confirmed by the governing body.

Burgess has been tied up with Souths until the end of the 2018 season. He rejoins his brothers Tom and George at the club

The 2014 premiers have also announced the signing of Hymel Hunt and the contract extension of Angus Crichton.

Hunt arrives from Melbourne Storm and can play in the centres and on the wing. The 22-year old has played four NRL games for the Storm.

Crichton has been promoted to Souths’ first-grade side for 2016 after playing for the club’s Under-20s last year.

The 19-year old, a second-rower or centre, played rugby union for the Australian Schoolboys in 2013 and 2014.