Last week twins Tom and George Burgess committed to the Rabbitohs until the end of the 2018 season, propelling suggestions Sam could return to the club to play alongside them again.
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The star footballer was part of England’s dismal 2015 Rugby World Cup squad, and has been linked to a return to Australia’s National Rugby League in the wake of the forgettable tournament.
Burgess and his Australian fiancee Phoebe Hooke were in the same corporate box as RFL chief executive Nigel Wood and sources say they discussed with him and other high-ranking officials his wish to return to the NRL after a frustrating 12-month stint in rugby union, in which he was continually subjected to heavy criticism over his transition to the code as a centre.
‘Whether he stays or not, it is another dirty chapter in the story that is not really his making, ‘ Dawson told BBC Radio.
‘He’s been let down by whoever is responsible for sowing the seed in his mind that he could achieve what he has in rugby league.
Burgess was a standout performer at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, when England were denied a place in the final by a last minute New Zealand try and conversion at Wembley. Experts dubbed his a “rugby novice”.
The Yorkshireman has two years left to run on his contract with the Premiership club Bath, whose head coach, the former England defence strategist Mike Ford, has spent much of this week rubbishing rumours that his highest-paid player was about to abandon his fledgling career in union.
If Burgess does opt to return to league, South Sydney could face a fight for his services from the Super League.
There had been reports that Burgess, who signed a multi-million dollar deal with Bath, has been frustrated in rugby union due to his inability to have as big an influence that he did in rugby league.
Burgess first joined South Sydney in 2010, signing from the Bradford Bulls.
Contacted by Omnisport on Thursday, the Rabbitohs declined to comment on recruitment – saying Burgess was contracted to Bath. He was photographed sitting alongside England coach Steve McNamara during the record 84-4 win at Leigh Sports Village.
However, there is little chance of Burgess joining the Roosters or any other club as a clause in his deed of release from Souths gives the Rabbitohs first option on his services if returned to the NRL.
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Despite the injury, he starred for South Sydney throughout the historic triumph, and was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for best player on the field.
