Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess excited by NRL challenge

Burgess shone for England in the Four Nations tournament

England forward Sam Burgess is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former British greats as he prepares to embark on a career in Australia's NRL.

The former Bradford player has signed for South Sydney Rabbitohs and hopes to follow the likes of Ellery Hanley by making a big impression in Australia.

"I've watched NRL and I always fancied coming over," the 21-year-old said.

"There is a lot of history with English players coming to Australia. Hopefully that will carry on."

In addition to Hanley, the likes of Adrian Morley, Garry Schofield, Malcolm Reilly, Mike Stephenson and Roger Millward have all tested their mettle in a league generally regarded as the best in the world.

Burgess, one of the most highly rated young talents in the game, will get the chance to follow their example after signing a four-year deal with the Rabbitohs, a club owned by Hollywood star Russell Crowe.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing in the NRL and I've definitely come here to play rugby and enjoy myself," he added.

"My main goal is to be consistent, stay injury-free and be good for the team.

"Souths are a massively famous club. They have some great legends and have won 20 premierships - it is an honour to play for them.

606: DEBATE

Really want to see Ellis and Burgess to do well, as the Aussies think we have no decent players

rogeristheking

"But I'm not out here to party. There is plenty of hard work ahead. I've always wanted to play in Australia."

Burgess served notice of his talent to Australian rugby league fans with two tries in a sparkling display for England against the Kangaroos in the Four Nations final.

"This has been a project over the past 18 months," said Souths chief executive Shane Richardson.

"My English contacts have been raving about his potential for a long time now and we're delighted to have him here.

"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."

Coach John Lang added: "It's exciting for the club but it's also exciting for Sam to be his age and coming to Australia to play his chosen sport.

"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."

Burgess will line up alongside the likes of Roy Asotasi, David Kidwell, Isaac Luke and Craig Wing at the Rabbitohs, while his international team-mate Gareth Ellis is also in the NRL with Wests Tigers.