Bradford Bulls prop Burgess signs for South Sydney (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Bulls prop Tom Burgess signs for South Sydney

8:28am Monday 6th August 2012 in Bulls By Ian Laybourn

South Sydney will reunite Bradford forward Tom Burgess with his three brothers after signing him for 2013.

The 20-year-old prop follow in the footsteps of former Bradford favourite Sam Burgess , who is in his fourth season with the Australian club, as well his twin brother George and former Leeds prop Luke.

George, who joined the Rabbitohs two years ago, today signed a new contract which will take him to the end of 2014.

He never got the chance to play in Super League but made his first grade debut for the Rabbitohs this season and played three first grade games before being ruled out with a lower intestine injury.

“We’re really pleased to have secured the services of these two young front rowers,” said Souths head coach Michael Maguire, who witnessed Tom’s debut season in Super League in 2011 while he was in charge of Wigan.

“George has come a long way in my time with the club and was making the most of his first-grade opportunities until an unfortunate injury struck.

“He’s back training and is working hard to get back into shape and hopefully he can play a part in the remainder of our 2012 season.

“Thomas is another addition to our strong front row and will create further competition for spots which strengthens the club as a whole.

“It’s very special to be able to bring the four brothers together here at the Rabbitohs.

“We value ourselves as a family-oriented club and to have Sam, Luke, George and Thomas all with us next year is something very special for the club and the game.”

Tom, an England academy international who has missed only one of Bradford’s 25 matches this season, was out of contract at the end of the year.

Although he faced an uncertain future, with the Bulls’ Super League place under threat after going into administration, he was always expected to join his brothers in Australia one day.

He rejected the opportunity to sign for the Rabbitohs at the same time as George in order to fulfil his dream of playing in Super League for Bradford and he has now made 44 senior appearances.