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NRL: Luke Burgess has left South Sydney for city rivals Manly

Luke Burgess, South Sydney Rabbitohs
Image: Luke Burgess: New signing for Manly

South Sydney have lost a second Burgess brother inside four months after former Leeds forward Luke signed a two-year deal with National Rugby League rivals Manly.

Burgess, 27, follows younger sibling Sam out of the Rabbitohs, after making 51 NRL appearances since joining from the Rhinos in 2011.

Luke, an England squad member in 2012, was one of four Burgess brothers who appeared in the Bunnies' first Premiership-winning side in 43 years.

He made history two years ago when he played alongside his three siblings for Souths but was released from his contract to enable him to make the move across Sydney to the Sea Eagles.

Luke has done a great job for us over the past three seasons I've been with the club and an opportunity has come up for him to join Manly
Michael Maguire

Sam left the club at the end of last season to switch codes with Bath and now only twins Tom and George remain with Souths, who will play Super League champions St Helens in the World Club Challenge on February 22.

"Luke has done a great job for us over the past three seasons I've been with the club and an opportunity has come up for him to join Manly," South Sydney coach Michael Maguire said.

"He's a quality front-rower who has played over 50 first grade games for this club, and we wish him, his partner Yolanda and daughter Grace, all the best at Manly."

Souths chief executive Shane Richardson, a former chief executive of Gateshead Thunder and Hull, has also left the reigning premiers after 11 years at the helm and will take up the role of game strategy and development at League Central in March.

Watch St Helens v South Sydney on February 22 on Sky Sports 3 from 7pm

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