South Sydney prop George Burgess capped off a stellar NRL season by being named Dally M rookie of the Year on the same day he was selected in England’s World Cup squad.
It’s been an eventful season for Burgess, who was suspended for two matches and fined $10,000 by the club in July for damaging a car in Cairns.
In the same month, he suffered further embarrassment when a nude photo of him circulated on the internet.
It’s safe to say it’s been a learning process for a 21-year-old with the world at his feet.
But on the field Burgess has been nothing short of a powerhouse.
“It’s a very tough competition. The toughest in the world,” he said.
“It’s been a pleasure playing alongside the boys this year and hopefully we can go one better next year.”
The second-youngest out of the Rabbitohs’ four Burgess brothers beat Anthony Milford from Canberra, Melbourne’s Tohu Harris and Wests Tigers’ David Nofoaluma to the Rookie of the Year gong at the gala ceremony at Sydney’s The Star on Tuesday night.
Burgess’ impact off the bench was phenomenal this season, scoring seven tries and regularly running over 150 metres and amassing 30 tackles a game.
He arguably outshone superstar brother Sam in the Souths’ engine room, before the Rabbitohs’ run yet again ended one game short of the grand final.
Burgess brothers George, Sam and Tom were all named in England’s 24-man World Cup squad on Tuesday and will form the bulk of their forward pack.
“We are well prepared and I’m looking forward to getting back to the home ground and getting back with the boys and pulling on the England jersey,” Burgess said.