To date, the Burgess brothers have only been associated with the South Sydney Rabbitohs but not anymore. That is because Luke Burgess will join the Manly Sea Eagles for the 2015 and 2016 NRL seasons.
With 135 NRL and Super League games to his name for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, London Harlequins & the Leeds Rhinos, the move allows Burgess to explore new options and look for a chance at more footy.
Burgess has tasted premiership success on two occasions – once in 2009 with the Leeds Rhinos and last year with the South Sydney Rabbitohs – and looks forward to his new opportunity at Manly.
“I’ve had a wonderful time at the South Sydney Rabbitohs and I’d like to thank them for the wonderful memories over the years,†Burgess said.
“I really appreciate them granting me this release. I’m really looking forward to the next few seasons at the Sea Eagles and can’t wait to get stuck in with the boys tomorrow,†Burgess added.
With the club’s need for further prop depth given the release of several forwards, signing Burgess gives them that with coach Geoff Toovey pleased to have the Englishman on board.
“Luke is really coming into his prime as a front-rower and we’re pleased to have added more experience, power and depth to our forward pack with his late addition to the squad,” said Toovey.
“He’s an experienced footballer and comes with a winning mentality, so I’m sure he’ll fit right in to what we have got going here at the Club already.â€
Also pleased to have the Englishman on board was new CEO Joe Kelly, who praised the club’s ability to get a quality forward so close to the start of the season.
“Luke signing with the Club is a fantastic result and I’d like to thank the South Sydney Rabbitohs for their willingness to grant him a release and join us here on the Northern Beaches,” said Kelly.