George joins Sam at Souths

George Burgess will join his brother Sam in Australia with South Sydney next year, after signing a two-year deal.

Burgess, 18, joins the Rabbitohs from Bradford after gaining a release from his contract, which was due to run until 2012.

Although Burgess has been billed as one of the game’s brightest young stars, he is not expected to feature in the Rabbitohs’ NRL squad immediately.

Instead he will link up with the club’s Under 20 squad who compete in the Toyota Cup National Youth Competition (NYC).
But the youngster admitted he is excited at the prospect at moving to Australia.

“I can’t wait to make the move and get started at the Rabbitohs,” Burgess said.

“Sam has been raving about the Rabbitohs and living in Sydney all year, so I’m looking forward to coming out and training and playing in Australia.

“I’m grateful to Bradford for the opportunities they’ve given me over the past few years, and also the release to come to Australia and play with the Rabbitohs.

“I’m very excited about pulling on the red and green jersey and getting started on my career at Souths.”

Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said he was pleased that the club have been able to reunite the two brothers.

“The Burgess brothers are all talented footballers and we’re delighted to have two of the boys playing for the Rabbitohs over the next two years,” Mr Richardson said.

“George is a great prospect and a real project for our Club. We’ll work with him over the next two years and during that time we’re aiming to develop him into an NRL footballer in the red and green.”