Since joining the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sam Burgess has quickly become a fan favourite.
Now, the cardinal and myrtle faithful will get to see him in action for even longer with his new deal until 2023.
Regarded as one of the best forwards in the game, Burgess’ re-signing is a huge boost for a Rabbitohs team on the rise.
Since debuting back in 2010 for the club, Burgess has played in 160 NRL games.
In that time, he was won an NRL premiership in 2014 and represented England on numerous occasions.
Burgess has had two stints with Souths so far; the first ending with a 2014 premiership, before he returned to Australia in 2016.
In between, Slammin’ Sam joined Bath in the Aviva Premiership and also played for England in rugby union.
Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold did not mince his words. In his eyes, Sam is the best forward in the game.
“In my opinion, Sam is the leading forward in our game,” Seibold said.
“He is an inspirational leader through his actions both on and off the field.”
Seibold went on to praise just how much of a help Burgess has been in Seibold’s first year as an NRL head coach.
“He’s been a tremendous help in my first year as a Head Coach along with ‘GI’ (Greg Inglis) and ‘Sutto’ (John Sutton),” the Bunnies coach continued.
“Since he’s been here at the Rabbitohs, he’s demonstrated how much Souths means to him and I’m very happy to know that he will finish his career here at South Sydney.”
The decision was an easy one for Burgess who labels himself as a Rabbitohs man.
“I’m a Rabbitohs man. It’s as simple as that,” Burgess said.
“The Club aligns with everything I’m about and my values, so it was an easy decision for me to extend my contract out to the end of my career.
“We spent a bit of time working out the contract as it is my last one, but Souths have always shown faith in me and I feel like I can repay that faith over the remaining years I have on the field.
With so many greats to have played for Souths over the years, Burgess wants to leave a similar mark like they have.
“I wasn’t interested in the player market or anything like that.
“I’m interested in leaving behind a legacy, being a small part of the fantastic history of this great Club.
“Players like John Sattler, Bob McCarthy, Ron Coote and Clive Churchill – they’re all remembered at this Club for what they have done. I love the history and I want to leave my mark as well.”
Shane Richardson also praised the re-signing of Burgess.
“Sam is one of the best players in the game, hands down, and with this contract extension he will play his entire NRL career with the one Club, the Rabbitohs,” Richardson said.
“He is an inspirational player for his teammates and an inspirational person to the broader South Sydney community.
“He has made a home here at South Sydney; he is bringing up his young, expanding family here in South Sydney; and he is set to go down in the Club’s history as one of its greats.