[urlhttp://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/rabbitohs-sign-english-prop/story-e6frexqr-1225779913951[/url
Rabbitohs sign English prop
SOUTH Sydney are poised to announce the signing of English international Sam Burgess as they continue to assemble one of the NRL's most formidable forward packs.
In a major coup for co-owner Russell Crowe, The Sunday Telegraph understands he has convinced the 114kg prop to play in the NRL for the next three seasons. Burgess, 19, is the front-rower who famously decked Parramatta's Kiwi Test prop Fuifui Moimoi during the 2007 Tri-Nations.
South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson refused to confirm Burgess had agreed to terms for next season. The Sunday Telegraph understands the Rabbitohs will have to pay his current club, Bradford, a transfer fee.
"We've been in discussions with Sam for some time now, but I've got no further comment to make on the situation at this stage,'' Richardson said.
Souths co-owner Peter Holmes a Court was also tight-lipped about the expected announcement next week. "That one is definitely in the category of Richo handling,'' Holmes a Court said. "There have been various discussions going on, but nothing's a deal until Richo announces it. He's clearly an impressive footballer.''
South Sydney legend Mario Fenech said the combination of Burgess with Kiwi Test prop Roy Asotasi, star recruit David Taylor, Michael Crocker and Eddy Pettybourne would give the Rabbitohs one of the most intimidating packs in the NRL.
"I'm told he's an outstanding young prospect and there's no question as a club we've benefited by the addition of Russell Crowe,'' Fenech said.
"There's a clear advantage with having someone of Russell's calibre associated with the club. He's a person not many people say no to. We're on the rise as a club.''