Arguably the best import of the modern game, Sam Burgess epitomised everything you wanted in a footballer. He had courage, passion and a will to succeed in everything he did while ensuring he always put the team first. Since coming over to South Sydney as a 21-year-old, Burgess played 182 games for the red and green between 2010 and 2019.
His career highlight would definitely be that inspiring Clive Churchill medal-winning performance in 2014 where he pushed through and played-on with a broken cheek bone. Whether on the edge or in the middle, Burgess always provided energy and could change the momentum of the game with one big carry or tackle.
Adding to the 2014 NRL Premiership trophy and his Clive Churchill Medal, Sam was also awarded the RLIF International Player of the Year award in 2014, was the Dally M Lock of the Year in the same year, has won the George Piggins Medal as the Rabbitohs best and fairest player on three occasions and the Jack Rayner Players’ Player award five times. One of the toughest players to play the game whether on an edge or in the middle.
