South Sydney Rabbitohs prop Thomas Burgess insists NFL interest is not the reason he only signed a one year deal
Date May 19, 2015 - 5:40PM
Brad Walter
Sports Reporter
"A lot of players are going to look at that league and think how good would it be to play over there": Burgess.
Photo: Getty Images
South Sydney prop Tom Burgess has admitted that he is keeping a close eye on Jarryd Hayne's move to the San Francisco 49ers and would be keen to join him in the NFL but insists that is not the reason he only signed a one-year extension with the Rabbitohs.
Burgess, who turned down the opportunity to sign a longer term deal with Souths or Manly, said he was backing himself to become a better player who could therefore command a bigger contract when he becomes a free agent again at the end of next season.
That one year [contract] was just because I'm still young and I'd like to think I'm still growing as a player
South Sydney prop Tom BurgessThe 23-year-old England Test prop also said he wanted to keep his options open but has virtually ruled out a return to Super League and said he hoped to continue playing for Souths.
"I have shown interest in NFL for a while and I'd spoken to a few of my friends about how I'd love to go there [but] somehow it's been turned into I've got a contract out there, and that's why I've signed for one year with Souths," Burgess said ahead of Friday night's match against Parramatta at ANZ Stadium."That's not the case, there's nothing there yet and I've not spoken to anyone. It is something I definitely wouldn't turn my nose up at, I'd look into it but there's nothing there currently.
"That one year [contract] was just because I'm still young and I'd like to think I'm still growing as a player. I can't estimate where I'm going to be at in one year really."
Asked if he was considering a return to Super League in 2017, Burgess said: "I don't think I'd go back home. That would be a worst case scenario for me. No disrespect to the game in England but I just feel like my lifestyle over here is great and I'm loving Souths as well".
However, Burgess admitted he was watching Hayne's transition with keen interest and believes that if he succeeds it could pave the way for other NRL players.
"I want to see him do well, I think that would be great for rugby league players," he said. "A lot of players are going to look at that league and think how good would it be to play over there and experience being in America so everyone is watching with a close eye. There's more than you think.
"I think a lot of people want him to do well because he's risked a lot and it's a big risk to go over there. I've definitely looked into how it works over there and there is a big risk for him, he's not guaranteed to earn a lot of money. He needs to get playing first before he can actually start earning money. And you don't go over there to earn money. you go over there for the experience and the challenge."
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...y-signed-a-one-year-deal-20150519-gh56qb.html
Will that end the rumour re Paul Carter?
