SAS Australia: Triumph for Sam Burgess as former Souths star wins series

Former South Sydney great Sam Burgess has outlasted 17 other celebrities and survived the gruelling tests on SAS Australia to be crowned the series winner.

Series favourite Sam Burgess has reigned triumphant on reality show SAS Australia.

The NRL great is the only celebrity contestant to pass selection on the gruelling military-style course that saw 18 competitors at the start.

Five contenders made it through to the day of final selection with retired Olympic athlete Jana Pittman and actor Dan Ewing removed from the course in the final stags.

That left a top three of Burgess, Olympic sprinter John Steffensen and tennis champion Mark Phillipoussis.

Sam Burgess with Mark Phillipoussis and John Steffensen for SAS Australia.

Chief instructor Ant Middleton deemed Burgess the only contestant to pass selection. Last series, three celebrities passed, being Sabrina Frederick, Nick Cummins and Merrick Watts.

“I’m feeling a lot of things really, bit of emotion, joy, bit unbelievable, it was my goal,” Burgess said. “My goal was to get to the end and be selected and it was great to achieve that goal, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.”

Burgess, 32, has the redemption story of the season, opening up about his struggles in sport and his personal life, including the breakdown of his marriage.

“What I’m taking from it is I’m going to pour all of time, my emotion, into the places that deserve it in my life. It starts with my kids and just making sure I’m the best role model for them. It’s just a great lesson in life.

Sam Burgess in the SAS finale episode.

Sam Burgess was the only celebrity to pass selection.

Middleton said Steffensen and Phillipoussis missed out narrowly.

“You two, just that one per cent that lacked, amazing effort from both of you, you completed the course but only number 16 (Burgess) passed.”

Of Burgess, Middleton said: “I thought that big head of his was empty but he’s got a brain in there. There’s not many people that fit the mould. It takes a unique person for a unique job. Ultimately that’s what the Special Forces is about. We get in there, we get the job done, no glory, and we go again.”

SAS Australia cast - Sam Burgess, Mark Philippoussis, Jana Pittman, Manu Feildel, Koby Abberton, Brynne Edelsten, Pete Murray, Dan ewing, Alicia Molik, Bonnie Anderson, Emma Husar, Erin Holland, Heath Shaw, Isabelle Cornish, Jessica Peris, Jett Kenny, John Steffensen and Kerri Pottharst.

The final episode of the season will air Wednesday when all 18 recruits return to base for a reunion special. Other contestants included Erin Holland, Emma Husar, Pete Murray, Kerri Pottharst, Alicia Molik, Jessica Peris and Jett Kenny.

The next season of SAS Australia launches on Seven on Monday at 7.30pm and instead of celebrities will see everyday Australians take on the course.

Originally published as SAS Australia: Triumph for Sam Burgess as former Souths star wins series