Burgess 'has his pick of the NRL'

Burgess made his Bulls debut against Leeds in 2006

Bradford Bulls prop forward Sam Burgess has his pick of the leading clubs in Australia, according to his adviser Chris Caisley.

The 20-year-old is one of the hottest properties in British rugby league.

Caisley said: "My phone has been red hot. There has been plenty of interest from clubs in Australia, I would say from half of the NRL clubs."

Burgess is under contract with the Bulls until 2011 but has an opt-out clause to allow him to leave earlier.

Once voted the best teenager in the world, the prop forward has been linked with a move from Odsal with claims that Hollywood actor Russell Crowe has personally intervened on behalf of South Sydney Rabbitohs, where the star has a controlling interest.

Caisley was unable to confirm the Crowe connection but did not rule out a future move to Australia if a club can tempt Bradford with a player exchange.

He has always had an ambition to give Australia a shot and he thinks he can make a big impression

Chris Caisley

"In my experience it's very rare that Australian clubs give compensation, so realistically he's going to be at Bradford next year," Caisley said.

"That will only change if a club can put forward a player in exchange that would persuade Bradford to release him a year early."

"He has always had an ambition to give Australia a shot and he thinks he can make a big impression."

Former Leeds Rhinos second rower Gareth Ellis, who is in his first season with Wests Tigers, is the only Englishman currently plying his trade in the NRL.