Russell Crowe says Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess may have stayed in the NRL if he was allowed to play State of Origin

RUSSELL Crowe has revealed that a NSW State of Origin jumper may just have kept Sam Burgess from exiting rugby league for union.

A NSW State of Origin jumper may just have kept Sam Burgess in rugby league.

South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe on Tuesday revealed one of the key reason why Burgess defected to English rugby union — he was unable to play State of Origin.

And Crowe also predicted Burgess, 25, would become a dual international.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, the Oscar winner said Burgess wanted to represent NSW — but was ineligible.

Crowe also claimed representing NSW was a higher honour in rugby league than playing for Australia.

SHOULD SAM HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO PLAY FOR NSW? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW.

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News_Rich_Media: South Sydney Rabbitoh Sam Burgess has signed a three-year deal with Aviva Premiership side Bath, and critics are already in disagreement about what position he should fill.

Burgess will play this season at Redfern before joining English rugby union club Bath.

“In rugby league, while the NRL is the top competition in the world by a fair way, the pinnacle of our game isn’t a Test jersey — it is State of Origin,’’ Crowe said.

“Sam, by his place of birth, is prevented from competing at that next level.

“He’d love nothing more than to have the opportunity to pull on a blue jersey.’’

While sad to see Burgess leave the NRL, Crowe had no doubt Burgess would instantly succeed in rugby union.

“I think Sam will do great in union,’’ Crowe said.

“If he applies himself with his normal focus on preparation and attention to detail, he will make a compelling case for those who are running the game over there.

“Sam is an elite athlete — he has the ability, the temperament and the people skills to achieve, so at the very least he should give it a go.

News_Image_File: Russell Crowe congratulates Sam Burgess a Souths victory.

“I wish him all the best as he goes forward.

“My expectation is that the Bath club will benefit from Sam’s presence the same way Souths have.

“He is a great club man and an inspirational leader to the other players. I also expect he will achieve his dream of becoming a dual international.’’

Burgess has harboured a desire to play Origin since way back in 2010.

He said at the time: “I’d absolutely love to play it. It’s a big event in England as well. I’ll probably get some stick for saying I’d love to play it because I’m not an Aussie, but if the rules ever did change, I’d definitely put my hand up.’’

NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden said league’s hierarchy had never genuinely entertained thoughts about altering the rules to allow overseas players to play Origin.

“It was never discussed because the rules precluded it,’’ Trodden said.

Despite Burgess’ decision, England coach Steve McNamara — an assistant coach at Sydney Roosters — is adamant Super League can continue to supply world-class players.

“We recognise Sam is a huge loss to the game of rugby league, and particularly the England team, but we’ll just have to deal with it,” McNamara said.

News_Rich_Media: South Sydney superstar Sam Burgess reveals why he has chosen to leave the Rabbitohs at the end of 2014 to join British rugby club Bath.

“We produce fantastic players and, because we do such a good job in that area, other sports will look at our players.

“It’s very difficult to replace someone like Sam, like for like, but you’ve seen the rise to prominence of George Burgess and Tom Burgess and there could be a few others who spring up as well.’’

Burgess is being groomed to play inside centre for Bath, and possibly England.

“Sam Burgess has certainly got the opportunity to match the exploits of the likes of Ma’a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams and Welshman Jamie Roberts, but the challenge for Sam will be how long it takes him to learn the game,’’ said former Wallaby number 12 Tim Horan.