Burgess is back

The illustrious Tom Burgess is back in Super League after twelve years Down Under – but will he make a Giant impact?

Huddersfield’s statement signing has been highly spoken about since his three-year deal was secured last May, with fans keen to see the former South Sydney superstar in action.

One of the most experienced and respected forwards in the game, Burgess’ magnificent career ultimately speaks for itself. From being a long-serving Rabbitoh with a record 252 appearances to a seasoned England international, Burgess has certainly achieved a great deal.

And it’s so far, so good for Burgess who is more than ready to get stuck in at his new club:

“Everything’s been going really well,” Burgess said. “It’s a different mindset. In Australia, you’re trying to beat the heat whereas over here you’re trying to get on a field that’s not frozen!

“It’s certainly been different and a bit of a grind, but it sets you up nicely for the season because the whole season is a grind, and you need that resilience.

“I’m looking forward to getting into the team and growing that connection with everyone. We’re in a really good place at the moment with getting some troops back and everybody being fit, so we’re in good shape.”

? En route!

Safe flight @Thomas_Burgess, see you very soon!#Since1895 pic.twitter.com/fH9khnlhYG

— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) October 13, 2024

After over a decade living it up in Australia, Burgess along with his wife Tahlia and their three young children have embarked on the 10,000-mile trip to Huddersfield – a place just around the corner from Burgess’ hometown of Dewsbury.

And although they have been perfectly settled on the other side of the world, returning to England had always been present in the back of the 32-year-old’s mind:

“It’s a different period in my life now from when I left – I have a wife and three kids now. It was a bit of a challenge adjusting to our life in England at first, but my wife Tahila is going really well, and we’ve got the kids into school.

“We’ve just moved into our new place which is exciting, and it’ll be nice to get settled and put down some nice roots.

“My ambition was always to come back here and play. When I was playing for Bradford, I think we never really achieved the potential we’d have liked.

“I always thought it would be nice to bring my family back here and show them where my dad is from a little bit too – the thought of that was appealing.”

“Then, when Huddersfield came forward, it was like it was meant to be - I grew up just around the corner.

“It all fell into place nicely and I’m enjoying being back here.”

TB ?#Since1895 pic.twitter.com/NH1E3oeJzG

— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) December 13, 2024

There’s also plenty Burgess is looking forward to in 2025, including his return to multiple venues and the Rugby League camaraderie. And likewise, Super League fans will be hoping to witness the trademark Burgess brilliance they all know.

“I’m looking forward to getting around the grounds again and I’ve missed the English public and how friendly everybody is over here.

“I also had a really good experience up in Newcastle playing for England in the World Cup, so Magic Weekend is a fixture to look at. There are plenty of things to look forward and we’re getting to that point now where we just want to start playing.”

And despite the significantly different time zones, Burgess has always managed to stay up to date with the Super League – and even more so in the last year with every game being broadcast live.

This is where he had been keeping close tabs, especially on the Giants, as well as Warrington Wolves – the team coached by his elder brother Sam:

“It was a bit tough in years before keeping up to date due to the time zones and everything. But recently it’s gotten a lot better – every game is live now, so that’s been great and really impacted the viewers in Australia.

“There are a lot more Australian viewers watching the matches now, which is, of course, great for the game.

“I kept an eye on Huddersfield last year and my older brother Sam at Warrington to see how he was going.”

With a wealth of experience under his belt, an intelligent Burgess will look to be one of Huddersfield’s key leaders throughout the 2025 campaign and hopes he can motivate his teammates to improve on where they were last season.

The Giants endured a disappointing year in 2024, finishing in ninth place and ten points adrift from the Play-Offs, meaning they were never really in the race for a top six spot.

But Burgess, along with three other exciting overseas recruits, are hoping to instill life back into the John Smith’s Stadium and there’s already been an evident surge of optimism surrounding the club:

“Seasons always have ups and downs throughout the year, but it’s all about riding that wave and trying to make your worst game not too bad,” explained Burgess.

“It’s how you ride that wave of emotion and manage any stresses that come along with it. I think I can help with that at Huddersfield.

“Consistency is massive towards success. Consistency and mindset are big ones for me and staying calm in those situations.”

With just over a fortnight to go until the brand-new season gets underway, Huddersfield are preparing for their Round 1 fixture against, coincidentally, Sam’s Warrington Wolves.

As Burgess gears up for his home debut in the Claret & Gold, this opening game has already been a brief topic of conversation between the two brothers, and one that is highly anticipated:

“Sam and I have had a bit of banter about it over Christmas. He rang me when I was running and said, ‘What you doing?’ and I replied with ‘I’m getting ready for Round 1!’

“There will definitely be bragging rights there in the family that week.

“It’s a good one for Round 1. I’ve never played against Sam in my career, only with him. I played against George and Luke in different times so it’s going to be interesting.

“He’s a competitive so-and-so and I would love to get one over on him, I can’t lie!”

Our Round 1 clash vs @WarringtonRLFC is now on-sale, as the Burgess brothers face off against each other in a blockbuster opening game ?#Since1895

— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) January 20, 2025

Jokes aside, Burgess did admit that it was good to have his brother on the same side of the world:

“Having Sam over here is nice – he’s got a wealth of knowledge. With his experience of being back in England after being in Australia for so long like we all have – he’s been a good person to lean on.”

Speaking openly, Burgess outlined his side’s key goals for 2025. Also determined to make a difference, he is hopeful his presence can help raise Huddersfield’s profile whilst having a profoundly positive impact within the community:

“A successful year would be a considerate improvement on where we have been. Success starts with winning more games than we lose, so we need to try and string some good performances together.

“We’re also really passionate about connecting with the fans in the area – to try and inspire young kids to pick up a rugby ball and have a crack.

“A full circle moment is coming back here and being able to try and influence that – and if I can do that, it’ll be a success.”

Will you be following Burgess and the Giants in 2025?

Watch Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves on Sunday 16 February, live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+ (K.O. 3pm).

Tickets are available for this fixture here and from both official club shops.