Former Souths star George Burgess breaks his silence about potential shock NRL comeback

The surname is synonymous with the Rabbitohs and after spending time back in the UK and battling a crippling hip injury, their one-time prop forward is keen for another tilt in the NRL.

George Burgess of Souths during the South Sydney Rabbitohs v Brisbane Broncos round 25 NRL game at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. pic Mark Evans

George Burgess wants back in the NRL and the South Sydney premiership winner has not ruled out returning to his former club.

Burgess is six weeks into a seven-month recovery from a serious hip operation but already the 29-year-old is optimistic about making an NRL comeback.

He will return from England in July and is focused on resurrecting his career in the NRL, which once had him among the game’s most destructive forwards.

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George Burgess would love to play for Souths again but knows it may not be possible.

“I’m really positive about playing again,” Burgess said.

“I want to get an opportunity to get fit again. I feel like I have a fair bit to offer especially if I’m fully fit. I’m just excited to get back around a team.

“The way that my last year panned out, it wasn’t the way I saw it. It wasn’t the way I wanted to leave. It turned out that way. It happened for a reason. It would be nice to play and show everyone I’m not quite finished yet.”

He has already been linked to a move to St George Illawarra but Burgess played down the talk of a switch to the Dragons. He is keen on reuniting with twin Thomas at South Sydney but is aware that may not happen.

But Burgess is certain he will find a club for 2022.

“I’ve really not spoken to many people (about a comeback),” Burgess said.

George Burgess celebrates with fans after the Rabbitohs won the 2014 grand final.

“I spoke to (Dragons) assistant coach Peter Gentle, who was my assistant at Souths. It was very loose and a casual chat. It’s not like they’ve offered anything.

“South Sydney would be an option. It’s just whether they could make it happen or if they would be interested. The club holds a special place in my heart. If the opportunity come up to go back I would love to do it.

“I wouldn’t be looking at playing right away that’s for sure. I’m just aiming to get somewhere for the pre-season. I’ll look at getting into games next year.”

Burgess joined Wigan last year but featured in just eight games as he battled with the injury. He parted ways with the club earlier this year to focus on his rehabilitation. Burgess also contracted Covid-19 in February.

Burgess is still on crutches and won’t be able to run until about the three-month mark. He is focused on getting back into full training when club’s return for pre-season in November.

“I’ve dealt with the pain for a long time,” Burgess said.

Burgess is confident he can land an NRL deal in 2022.

“It’s feeling almost better than it has in the past. It’s exciting and it’s a relief not having that chronic hip problem.

“It was quite intense especially after games. Last year I was struggling to walk after games. I was just focused on getting right for the next game and doing the bare minimum training wise.

“I was taking pain killers all the time. It was something that gradually got worse. I managed it quite well at the Rabbioths but I wasn’t able to manage it as well over here. ”

Originally published as Former Souths star George Burgess breaks his silence about potential shock NRL comeback