Bradford Bulls: Burgess can crack NRL, says Potter (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Bulls: Tom Burgess can crack the NRL, says Mick Potter

7:30am Monday 27th August 2012 in Bulls By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Tom Burgess is capable of following in his brothers’ footsteps and making the grade at South Sydney Rabbitohs.

That is the view of Bulls coach Mick Potter as Burgess prepares to follow siblings Sam and Luke and twin George at the NRL outfit later this year.

The Bulls prop, 20, has agreed a one-year deal with Michael Maguire’s side for 2013 and has been backed by Potter to prosper Down Under.

“He’s got to fight his way to get into the side and I don’t think it’s beyond him,” said Potter.

“I think Tom has come a long way in the two years I’ve been here. If you had asked me when I first arrived whether he would play first grade last season I’d have said he had a chance.

“From where he was then to how he has applied himself and developed as a player then he has a real chance of having a good crack at it in Australia.

“He’s got the presence, the stature and the power, and I think Michael Maguire will be a good mentor for him.

“He’s pretty calm with the way he coaches but he’s very demanding. The ante will go up for Tom.”

Burgess has enjoyed a fine campaign at Odsal and has come off the bench to make his 6ft 5in frame felt virtually every week.

The success of his siblings bodes well for Burgess in Australia.

Twin brother George recently signed a new two-year deal in Sydney after making his first-grade debut for the Rabbitohs against the Bulldogs this season, while Sam and Luke are under contract for the 2013 campaign. Potter added: “I think Tom needs a challenge and he wants a bit of security.

“It’s no surprise given that his three brothers are out there and his mum goes out there regularly.

“Tom goes out there during the off- season and I think it could be good for the family.

“It’s fantastic for him to go there as a young man to have a new lifestyle and to test himself in what is regarded as the best competition in rugby league.

“With George not being here I think it’s brought Tom out of himself a bit more and he’s a changed personality to what he was two years ago. I believe he has every chance of following his brothers in becoming a success in Australia.”