George Burgess explains why he rejected Parramatta payday

George Burgess turned his back on a $1.4m offer from Parramatta. Now he will show South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett why he’s worth being rewarded with a new contract.

Burgess didn’t want to leave South Sydney so suddenly. (Matt King/Getty Images)

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George Burgess says he will show South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett why he’s worth being rewarded with a new contract after turning his back on a $1.4 million offer to immediately join Parramatta.

Just 24 hours after rejecting the Eels’ multi-year deal, the Rabbitohs enforcer has explained why he ultimately chose to reject the payday.

“Parramatta are a great club and definitely it was tempting to go out there,’’ Burgess said.

Burgess didn’t want to leave South Sydney so suddenly. (Matt King/Getty Images)

“But ultimately I decided the timing wasn’t right yet, to do that.

“To leave a club that I’ve played all my first grade games at the drop of a hat just didn’t feel right to me.

“To have played your last game (at the end of last season), not knowing it’s your last game, to me, that’s leaving at the drop of a hat.

“I want to be able to play the season out knowing that if I am leaving that I can properly say goodbye to the club that has given a lot to me and I’ve given a lot to the club.

“For me as a person, that’s the way I want it to happen — if it’s going to happen.’’

Family ties are too strong to ignore for the brothers. (Brett Costello)

Burgess is acutely aware that he’s playing for his career at Souths in 2019 — and emotionally, the chance to keep his famous family together at the one club.

“I love playing with my brothers (Sam and Tom), it’s been a dream,’’ Burgess said.

“We’ve had a great time doing it and would love to continue, but fairytale’s don’t always last forever.’’

Bennett has told the English International that only his football will dictate whether a new offer to stay at the club will eventuate.

The 26-year-old rediscovered his best form last season. (Phil Hillyard)

“The (Parramatta) deal was great, but if I play well enough footy the deal might still be there, so I’ve just got to back myself and see what happens,’’ Burgess said.

“You have to back yourself or else, you may as well not play.

“I’m always motivated to improve on last year and I want to keep getting better. I’m 26, so I feel I’ve got my best football in front of me.

“I’ve had a few rough years with injuries and my body, but I feel like I’m getting past those and I’m looking forward to the season.

“The dialogue between me and Wayne is we’re just focusing on playing this year and putting our best foot forward.

“He’s been around enough years to know that if you’re playing well, the club is going to find some space for you.

“He said that to me and so we’ll see what happens.’’

Burgess will not only miss the Rabbitohs trial matches, but he’s also ineligible for the first three matches of the season after being suspended for eye-gouging Kiwi international Dallin Watene-Zelezniak during a Test match last year between England and New Zealand.

The premiership-winning prop said he’s refusing to view his unavailability as a negative.

“You can look at it that way, or you can look it as I’ve got extra time to get ready and into some peak condition,’’ Burgess said.

“I had a delayed pre-season so it’s going to help me get a few more K’s in my legs and match ready.

“Those extra few weeks will help me.’’