Tom Burgess has reiterated his interest in eventually pulling on a Leeds Rhinos jersey, stating that it would be 'pretty cool' to represent his boyhood club. The England prop, one of the best players in the World Cup so far, caught the attention of Super League supporters when he openly discussed a return to the competition last month.
Burgess is currently contracted to South Sydney Rabbitohs but is now free to speak to UK clubs about a move next season. The 30-year-old is in the final year of his contract in the NRL and players down under are free to sign deals elsewhere come November 1st.
Burgess, who starred in England's quarter-final win over Papua New Guinea, has admitted that extending his deal with the Bunnies is his current preference. But he reiterated that the prospect of a return to Super League, and a move to Headingley, was a source of intrigue.
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"It's just an idea really down the track," Burgess said. "I'm 30 now but we'll see what happens. I'm English and proud to be English. I'd like to bring my family back at some point but we'll see what happens. My immediate future is the World Cup then I'd like to re-sign with Souths for a few extra years and then go from there.
"Probably just being back here makes you miss it and miss the people. It does grate being back in the country a little bit, for sure. If it was serious and I was considering it I'd have to speak to my manager and see what's out there.
"You can't say where you're going to go because you don't know if they could have you and there are loads of things involved. Leeds, I grew up supporting them so it would be pretty cool to play for them but also, I speak a bit of French too so I might have to polish off my French, maybe in Catalans."
His comments will no doubt be of interest to both clubs. Zane Tetevano, Leeds' current marquee player, is off-contract at the end of next season while a number of the Rhinos' other big earners are also in the final year of their deals, leaving Leeds with plenty of salary cap space heading into 2024.
Meanwhile, the Dragons are actively pursuing a prop for the current season having lost Gil Dudson and Sam Kasiano, while Dylan Napa has also been told he is free to leave the club. Burgess is thought to have a good relationship with Catalans coach Steve McNamara after the pair worked together when McNamara was the coach of England.
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