Rabbitohs Extend Contracts of David Tyrrell and Thomas Burgess
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have extended the contracts of premiership-winning prop David Tyrrell and English international Thomas Burgess until the end of 2017 and 2016 respectively today.
Tyrrell, 26, has played 114 NRL matches, all of which have been for the Rabbitohs, since making his first grade debut against the Panthers in round 18, 2009.
Tyrrell was the only Rabbitohs player to play in all 27 matches for the Rabbitohs last season on the way to the 2014 premiership.
Burgess, 22, has played 31 NRL matches for the Rabbitohs since making his debut against Parramatta in round 15, 2013, and has gone on to represent England in five Test matches. Burgess also made 46 first team appearances for the Bradford Bulls before coming to Australia for the 2013 season.
At 196cm and 120kg, Burgess has become one of the key figures in the Rabbitohs’ forward pack over the past 18 months.
Tyrrell could not be happier about re-signing with the Rabbitohs for two more seasons.
“I’m really happy to have my contract extended as I love playing for this Club with this group of players,” Tyrrell said.
“I started at Souths in the under 20s back in 2008 and this extension will take me to ten seasons with the Club.
“That’s something I’m very proud of and we’ll all be working hard to continue to achieve the things we have over recent seasons.”
Burgess says he is delighted to be extending his tenure with the Rabbitohs for a further 12 months.
“I’m really excited about signing on for another year with the Rabbitohs,” Burgess said.
“I’m really enjoying my time with the Club, we’ve got a great set of lads here, and in the end the decision to stay is what I think is best for my career.
“I want to create more memories at this Club and I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead, starting with the game against the Cowboys this Monday night.”
Rabbitohs Head Coach Michael Maguire says he is very happy that two of his key front rowers have stuck with the Rabbitohs.
“This is great news for us as a Club and we’re all very happy to know that Dave and Tom will be with us for an extended period,” Coach Maguire said.
“Dave is one of the workhorses of our pack and lays a platform for our team every week without fail.
“He’s shown over many years that he has what it takes to play consistently in the NRL and his efforts every week are not lost on his team mates, the coaching staff and our Members.
“Tom is improving in his game every week and is proving to be a valuable member of our forward rotation in the middle of the field.
“Both Dave and Tom are great characters to have around the team and represent us well on and off the field.
“We’re all very happy to have them on board for the seasons to come and look forward to seeing them grow as players and men in the years to come.”
Biographies:
Name: David Tyrrell
Date of Birth: 9 October 1988
Place of Birth: Brisbane, Queensland
Height: 184cm
Weight: 102kg
Position: Prop
Junior Club: Easts Tigers
NRL Debut: Rabbitohs vs Panthers, ANZ Stadium, 10 July 2009 (Rd 18)
NRL Games: 114 (114 for the Rabbitohs)
NRL Points: 20 (five tries)
Name: Thomas Burgess
Date of Birth: 21 April 1992
Place of Birth: Dewsbury, England
Height: 196cm
Weight: 120kg
Position: Prop
Rep Honours: Five Tests for England (2013-14); Four Nations (2014); World Cup (2013); Three games for England Knights (2012-13)
Junior Club: Dewsbury Moor
NRL Debut: Rabbitohs vs Eels, ANZ Stadium, 23 June 2013 (Rd 15)
English Super League debut - Bradford Bulls vs London Harlequins, Round 8, 2011
NRL Games: 31 (31 for the Rabbitohs) – 46 English Super League for Bradford Bulls
NRL Points: 4 (one try) – 16 English Super League from four tries
