South Sydney’s most tenured player, Tom Burgess, is optimistic about securing a one-year contract extension and is simultaneously considering the possibility of reuniting with his older brother Sam at the Warrington Super League club.
Approaching his 12th season with the Bunnies, Burgess is confident in his ability to continue playing in the NRL through 2025 before contemplating a potential return to England. The prospect of joining forces with older brother Sam, who currently serves as the head coach at Warrington, adds an intriguing element to Burgess’s future plans.
Having played a key role in England’s Test series against Tonga in the previous season, Burgess is currently enjoying the benefits of an injury-free pre-season. Expressing his desire to remain with Souths, he emphasizes the importance of sustaining consistent high-level performance for the team. Burgess acknowledges the realities of the sport as a business and recognizes that if an agreement cannot be reached, he may need to explore other opportunities.
Despite the uncertainties, Burgess maintains a strong belief in his ability to contribute significantly to the game and expresses gratitude for his extended tenure with the Souths.
“I have a young family, so our preference is to remain in Australia, but my partner and I are open to the possibility of joining the Super League and relocating to England or France. Even if I continue playing in the NRL next year, I would still consider the Super League thereafter.
Sam has been discussing the option of Warrington with me. The fact that he’s my brother is appealing, but it doesn’t guarantee anything.
Having played 225 games for Souths, I’m on track to surpass Adam Reynolds (231) and secure the second position, just behind John Sutton (336).
In an unexpected turn of events, my twin brother George, a premiership winner with Souths in 2014, made a surprise appearance at the club’s Heffron Park headquarters. He mentioned that he’s set to captain the Currumbin Eagles at the Summer 9s on the Gold Coast this weekend, alongside notable figures like Willie Mason, Todd Carney, and Ben Barba.
I attempted to recruit former Souths hooker Issac Luke for the Currumbin team, but he got suspended for an incident in a touch rugby game. I also tried to bring in Daniel Conn.
After playing in Cairns last year, I’m now considering an invitation from Souths legend John Sutton to participate in South Sydney’s A-grade competition with the South Eastern Seagulls. George plans to wear the same boots I used in the Tests, which raise awareness for former international Rob Burrow fighting motor neurone disease—a condition that tragically took our father, Mark, in 2007.”
