Tom Burgess, the player with the longest tenure at South Sydney, is seeking a one-year contract extension with the club. Simultaneously, he is keeping an eye on the possibility of reuniting with his older brother Sam at the Super League club Warrington. Burgess is gearing up for his 12th season with the Bunnies and is confident in his ability to continue playing in the NRL in 2025 before contemplating a potential return to England.
Having participated in England’s Test series against Tonga at the end of the previous season and enjoying an injury-free pre-season, the formidable prop is keen on securing a continued stay at Souths.
Expressing his desire, Burgess stated, “I’d love to stay at Souths, I’d love to keep the dream alive, so that’s my first priority. I’ve been fortunate to stay at Souths so long, and all I want to do is keep playing consistently well for Souths while I’m here.”
Recognizing the pragmatic nature of professional sports, Burgess acknowledged, “I know fairytales don’t always happen, and it’s a business at the end of the day. If we can’t come to an agreement, I know I’ll have to look elsewhere. I still feel like I’ve got a lot to offer the game.”
Considering his young family, Tom Burgess expressed a preference for staying in Australia. However, he and his partner are open to the idea of playing in the Super League and potentially moving to England or France.
Even if he continues playing in the NRL next year, Burgess remains open to considering the Super League in the future. His brother Sam has mentioned Warrington as an option, and while the familial connection is enticing, Burgess emphasizes that it’s not a definitive decision.
With 225 games played for Souths, Burgess is poised to surpass Adam Reynolds (231) and move into second place behind John Sutton (336) in the club’s all-time appearances list.
Notably, Tom’s twin brother George, a premiership winner with Souths in 2014, unexpectedly visited the club’s Heffron Park headquarters, announcing his upcoming captaincy for the Currumbin Eagles at the Summer 9s on the Gold Coast.
While Tom is the sole representative from Currumbin, he attempted to recruit former Souths hooker Issac Luke and Daniel Conn, though Luke’s recent suspension prevents him from playing.
Having played in Cairns last year, Burgess is contemplating an invitation from Souths legend John Sutton to join South Eastern Seagulls in South Sydney’s A-grade competition.
