Sam Burgess Arrives and Rabbitohs Return to Training
14th December 2009
2010 Rabbitohs recruit Sam Burgess has arrived in South Sydney today, his 21st birthday, to start his four-year contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Burgess arrived at Sydney International Airport in Mascot this morning, before visiting the Rabbitohs offices and the Australian Technology Park Performance Centre at Redfern Oval for a media conference. Burgess will take part in his first training session tonight, joining his new teammates and the Club’s SG Ball under 18s squad. Burgess was presented with his 2010 Membership by Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson and Head Coach John Lang at the media conference, and the Rabbitohs also presented Sam with his 21st birthday cake on behalf of Football Club Members. Sam also picked up his training gear today in preparation for the start of his pre-season regime leading into Christmas. An excited Burgess said he can’t wait to get out on the training field tonight (Monday) and start work with the Rabbitohs. “I’ve always wanted to play in Australia and it all starts today,” Burgess said. “There’s plenty of hard work ahead of me and it will be good to have a run and get to know the guys tonight. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing in the NRL and I’ve definitely come here to play rugby and enjoy myself. I’m here to play football.” Burgess says he will follow the lead of fellow English teammate Gareth Ellis in his approach to playing in the NRL. “I’ve spoken to Gareth (Ellis) about coming here and what I can expect,” Burgess said. “I think it’s good for English Rugby League too to have some English players in the NRL.” Sam says he’s looking forward to playing in the Rabbitohs new look forward pack which will include the likes of Roy Asotasi, Michael Crocker, Dave Taylor, Ben Ross, Luke Stuart, Scott Geddes, Eddy Pettybourne and Issac Luke throughout 2010. “We’ve got a great team here,” Sam said. “I’ve been speaking to Michael Crocker and Dave Taylor a bit over the past few weeks and that’s made me even keener to get over here to South Sydney. “I don’t mind where I play to be honest. I like playing loose forward (lock) but I’ll play wherever is best for the team.” Mr Richardson said the recruitment of Burgess has been a work in progress. “This has been a project over the past 18 months for this Club,” Mr Richardson said. “My English contacts have been raving about his potential for a long time now and we’re delighted to have him here. “This is a testament to where we’re going as a Club, to be attracting players of the level of Sam and Dave Taylor, two of the best young players in the game. “The boys are really happy to have him here because good players want to play with good players. “Today is an exciting day for our Club.” Lang said Sam is clearly committed to achieving big things in the NRL. “It’s exciting for the Club but it’s also exciting for Sam to be his age, 21 today, and coming to Australia to play his chosen sport,” Lang said. “It shows his level of commitment that on his 21st birthday he will be here with his new teammates training for the 2010 season. “I don’t expect him to be a star from day one, but I’m sure he’ll develop into one of the leading players in the NRL.” The Rabbitohs will have their full roster of players training with the Club following the Christmas break with New Zealand International Issac Luke officially resuming training in January. On behalf of everyone connected with the Rabbitohs, we officially welcome Sam Burgess to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
