Burgess didn’t want to leave the NRL

[josie andrews]

England winger Joe Burgess has revealed that he didn’t want a quick return to Super League but his lack of game time in the NRL forced his move back to Wigan.
The 21-year-old joined Sydney Roosters prior to this season but his first team opportunities have been limited and it was announced last month that he would be returning to Wigan for 2017.

In the meantime, former Wigan head coach Michael Maguire has taken the opportunity to take Burgess to South Sydney Rabbitohs on loan for the remainder of this campaign.

“It was a strange week as it was announced I would be going back home and then ended up here (at South Sydney),” Joe explained.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity, I was never going home straight away. I was pretty gutted because I didn't really want to go home but I just wasn't getting enough game time at the Roosters.

“It was a decision I had to make and then shortly after the opportunity to join Souths came and I want to make the most of it for the remainder of this year.”

Burgess made the Super League Dream Team last term and has a terrific try scoring record with 54 tries in just 61 first grade games in his career so far.

Souths decision to take the speedster on loan came as a surprise to many but it is a move that could well suit both parties with the struggling Bunnies short on backs.

“I think my name was just around and the opportunity to get me there and Michael Maguire contacted me and said yeah let's get you in, we are struggling for outside backs we could do with you.

“So yeah I jumped straight on the opportunity. I was coming through the ranks when Michael Maguire was coach at Wigan but a lot of his ways have stayed which is why I felt comfortable coming here because it's a lot like Wigan.”

It’s hardly been an ideal start for Joe with the Rabbitohs suffering defeats in both games he has played, they now sit 13th on the NRL ladder some six points off the play-off places.

http://www.rugbyam.co.uk/articles/news/ ... e-the-nrl/

[fozzieskem]

He went too soon just hope it hasn't knocked his confidence too much but I suppose that's why he gone to the bunnies get his head right and show them something of his skill

[Dorsey]

Well cheers Joe, Wigan fans welcoming you back virtually en masse and sounds like you don't really want to come! Agree with the comment about him going too soon he looked totally lost and out of place on the few times he was on the field for the Roosters. He's starting to look a bit more comfortable playing for the bunnies so hope he has enough time to improve himself and feel his time hasn't been wasted but not happy with his comments. Any player not happy being at a team never gives their best.