Burgess: Million Pound game was bittersweet

Despite being on the winning side in the Million Pound game, Luke Burgess said the day was overshadowed by the sight of distraught Hull KR players and their families.

The 29-year old has just signed for Catalans Dragons from Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL, but did spend a brief period with Salford in 2016.

“The Million Pound game is a bit of a blur. The biggest thing I remember from that game is walking back into the changing rooms after the match and seeing the families of the other team and how they were all heartbroken,” he said.

“It just felt like a really bitter taste in my mouth after.”

“Although we were happy to win it wasn’t nice to see the affect it has on the players families and kids. It wasn’t nice.”

When asked about his spell at the Red Devils, Burgess said he was happy with the contribution that he made.

Burgess played eight matches for Salford, including the Million Pound game against Hull KR, which they won 19-18.

“I really enjoyed coming back to Super League,” he said.

“I came back to Salford to do a job to help keep Salford in Super League.

“I was pleased with the outcome and I felt like I really enjoyed my football.”

Now he is back in Super League on a more permanent basis, Burgess is eager to get started.

“I am really excited to get involved with the boys,” the prop said.

“First of all we want to build a good culture and then I think everything will come off the back of that.”

At the start of his career, Burgess spent three years at Leeds Rhinos and admitted battles with Catalan were always hard.

“When I used to play for Leeds I remember playing against the likes of Jamal Fakir, Sebastien Raguin, Jerome Guisset and Thomas Bosc,” he said.

“The Catalans Dragons were always a tough side to play against especially in the south of France.

“They’ve always been known for their big forwards and the French like to play quite rough and tough. So it was always good for me as a forward to come and play against Catalans Dragons.