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Rugby League

Bulls tie down star man Burgess

26/06/2008

Bradford Bulls have announced that England starlet Sam Burgess has signed a new contract to keep him at Odsal until at least the end of the 2011 season.

The 19-year-old, regarded as one of the world's top emerging talents in rugby league, has made 59 appearances for the club since his debut in 2006 – scoring 13 tries and kicking five goals.

And Bulls head coach Steve McNamara said the importance of signing Burgess to a new deal could not be overstated.

"Sam is the big signing everyone wanted. Every Super League club and plenty of others in Australia would love to have got Sam and have him in their side but he's playing here with us which is just great news," McNamara said.

"He had another year left to run on his contract but we've decided to upgrade it and we're absolutely delighted that a super player and a super young man has decided to commit his future to Bradford Bulls."

McNamara described Burgess as "a real cornerstone" of the team, despite his tender years, and said his form in recent months has been "outstanding".

"He's blossoming into an amazing rugby league player and is up there with the best," the coach continued.

"Hopefully we will see a lot more young players follow suit. It gives a great deal of encouragement to our young recruits to see that there is a clear pathway for them here and they will get the rewards if they deserve to. Sam certainly does."

In agreeing the new contract, which Burgess described as "an honour", the player said the caveat of continuing to ply his trade under McNamara was a major part of his thinking.

"I only wanted to play for the Bulls and, right from the off, was never going to leave," Burgess said.

"It's a big club, I always wanted to stay and there was no one else I wanted to play for.

"I feel Steve McNamara has helped my game come on leaps and bounds and I'm sure he can help me get better.

"He's a brilliant coach and the youth coming through here at Bradford's is something really exciting as well.

"The club has put a lot of effort into that recently and it'll be good to see that come to fruition whilst there's already a great set-up and some great players.

"There has never been a doubt in my mind that we're far off winning the competition and I know I can lift trophies here with Bradford."