Tom Burgess has snubbed South Sydney to make his mark with the Bulls.
The 18-year-old prop was offered the same deal as twin George to join elder sibling Sam at the Rabbitohs but instead reaffirmed his commitment to Bradford.
Having been compared to his brothers throughout his young career, Burgess is happy to finally be blazing his own trail.
He said: “It feels like all my family is leaving me! I don’t mind that because I think it’s good that we’re setting our own paths in our career, so it’s exciting.
“I suppose me and George have been viewed as a double act, so it’ll be good to see how we get on now we’re on our own. I’m looking forward to it and I’m sure George is as well.
“The main factor in turning it down was that I’ve got a big ambition to play in Super League. I really want to be involved in the English game.
“If the option comes to play in the NRL in the future, which it might do, we’ll come to that then, but I don’t really have any desire to play there yet.”
Burgess, yet to make a Super League appearance, remains confident in his ability to become a key part of the Bulls’ pack.
Last year was the Bradford academy graduate’s first as a member of the full-time squad and it proved to be a significant learning curve.
He said: “I saw that year as a development year. I wasn’t really expecting to play but came in and aimed to start developing.
“I came in and got one year under my belt. Now I’m looking to keep improving.
“I’m always looking to work on my skills and core skills are always something you need to work on.
“I’m just looking to get structures clear in my mind and that’s what you need to make that step up. You can be as fit and strong as anyone but you need that skill as well.”
Even if his own ambitions lie elsewhere, Burgess has tipped brother George to become a hit in the NRL.
Although George will start by playing for the Rabbitohs’ under-20s side in the Toyota Cup, his sibling is confident he will soon be playing first-grade football.
“I think he’ll really come on and I think they’ll love him down there,” said Tom.
“Considering the player he is, I think he’ll do really well in Australia.”
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