Premiership winning Rabbitohs connection reunites to lead charge in Souths Juniors competition
John Sutton and George Burgess are two names etched in South Sydney folklore for their 2014 heroics. Now the pair are leading the charge for a local club in the Souths Juniors competition.
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They combined for South Sydney’s drought-breaking premiership in 2014, and now two Rabbitohs legends are combining in the red and green of a different kind.
The South Eastern Seagulls, a club competing in the Souths Juniors A-grade competition, will welcome George Burgess into the fold ahead of this Sunday’s round nine clash with the Redfern All Blacks.
It reignites a special connection, with the team coached by South Sydney’s all-time most capped player John Sutton.
The two were instrumental in delivering the Rabbitohs their first premiership for over 40 years, with Sutton captaining the side and Burgess scoring a barnstorming try that will go down as one of the most important ever for Souths.
After a stint with Brothers in Cairns last year, Burgess answered the call from Sutton to have a run at Malabar, as South Eastern looks to claim its first ever A-grade title in its 100+ year history.
“Me and Sut had a few chats at the start of the year,” Burgess said.
“I played last year in Cairns and enjoyed it. I enjoying playing A-grade and giving back to the community.
“I’ve got a lot of time for Johnny Sutton. I said if I can and if time permits I’ll do my best to get down and have a run with the boys and give back to the younger lads.
“I’m willing to have a crack and see how the body goes. I do miss putting my shoulder into blokes. It’s going to be fun.”
The Souths Juniors competition isn’t short on star power this season with Roy Asotasi (Coogee Dolphins) and Jason Clark (Coogee Randwick Wombats) also in the mix, and Burgess couldn’t resist a cheeky gibe at his former teammates.
“I know there’s a few boys playing like Roy Asotasi and Jason Clark. If they’re getting among it I’m sure I’ll be right.”
Sutton said the Seagulls are glad to have the former English international joining their forward pack.
“I was very happy that he was keen to play some footy,” Sutton said.
“We’re lucky as a club to have someone of his calibre here.
The Seagulls have a strong connection with a number of NRL players this season, with Lewis Radley (older brother of Victor), Fraser Graham (older brother of Campbell) and Mateo Tatola (younger brother of Tevita) all on the books.
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