Sam Burgess reportedly approached by NRL clubs with comeback offer

Sam Burgess has not played in the NRL for nearly two years, but the South Sydney champion has reportedly been approached by several clubs.

Sam Burgess has not any played professional sport since 2019, but two NRL clubs have reportedly approached the South Sydney champion with comeback offers.

Following an illustrious 182-game NRL career, Burgess was medically retired from the Rabbitohs nearly two years ago with a shoulder injury.

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The English athlete has been embroiled in a series of off-field scandals since, including the breakdown of his marriage to Phoebe Burgess and ugly falling out with her family.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, former rugby league star Braith Anasta revealed the 32-year-old had rejected comeback offers from two NRL clubs in recent weeks.

Serving as his adviser, Anasta didn’t name which clubs approached Burgess, but confirmed South Sydney was not one of them.

“The offers were genuine and Sam gave it some serious thought,” Anasta said. “They rang me and they were keen.

“It was definitely a consideration, but it’s not going to happen. The career’s over.”

Sam Burgess is seen leaving the Moss Vale Local Court.

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Rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield told the Big Sports Breakfast on Monday morning: “We were told he did medically retire and his money was taken out of the South Sydney salary cap.

“They were told that he had a shoulder injury that could not be repaired with any sort of surgery. I know he has been on the Gold Coast and training really hard for the show SAS.

“The problem for Sam Burgess playing again is the South Sydney salary cap.”

In March, District Court Judge Mark Williams overturned Burgess’ conviction for threatening Mitchell Hooke — the father of ex-wife Phoebe — during a heated verbal stoush at Hooke’s Southern Highlands estate in October 2019.

Burgess was also allegedly caught driving under the influence of cocaine in February while on the way to pick up his children.

He recently quit booze and plans to stay alcohol-free for a year.

Last week, Channel 7 revealed the full cast of celebrities set to compete in season two of SAS Australia — the cast headlined by Burgess.